TKO vaccination event held

October 19, 2021
Protective barrier
Protective barrier:

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan (first row, second right) encourages Tseung Kwan O residents to get vaccinated and build up protection against COVID-19.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today attended the Tseung Kwan O community vaccination day event which provided residents with health talks and medical consultations concerning COVID-19 vaccines.

 

Participants could receive the BioNTech vaccine at the community vaccination centre at Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre right after the health talks. Alternatively, for those who opted for the Sinovac vaccine, on-site staff assisted them with making bookings or arranging for transportation to clinics of private doctors who supported the vaccination event.

 

While Prof Chan said she was delighted that 300 residents took part in the event, she expressed concern that less than 20% of elderly people aged 80 or above have received their COVID-19 jabs.

 

“Senior citizens, people with chronic diseases and other immunocompromised people face a high risk of deteriorating condition and even death once infected with COVID-19. Generally speaking, except for those with contraindications, the elderly and chronic disease patients should get vaccinated to protect themselves.”

 

She also reminded the public about the importance of receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV).

 

“Evidence repeatedly indicates that a person who contracts influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and will have a higher risk of death. Receiving SIV can reduce the chance of hospitalisation and the length of stay.

 

“As such, receiving SIV and COVID-19 vaccination is equally important, in particular for elderly people residing in the community or at residential care homes who should get vaccinated as soon as possible to build up dual protection.”

 

Various SIV programmes for 2021-22 have started. The Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme provide free and subsidised influenza jabs for designated people and eligible groups.

 

The Hospital Authority has set up COVID-19 vaccination stations in seven public hospitals to enable patients visiting hospitals for follow-up appointments and visitors to receive the BioNTech jab without prior booking, the health chief added.

 

The Food & Health Bureau stressed that the recommended interval between getting a seasonal influenza jab and a COVID-19 vaccine is at least 14 days.

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