Hong Kong and Taiwan launch influenza vaccination drives

Health authorities in Hong Kong and Taiwan are intensifying efforts to increase influenza vaccination rates as the flu season approaches.

In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee led officials in receiving seasonal flu vaccines to encourage community immunity. The government has introduced four optimization measures to facilitate vaccination, including procuring vaccines from multiple suppliers, adding electronic consent functions to the eHealth platform, and expanding the scope of the doctor vaccine procurement pilot scheme. Last year, over 2.03 million doses were administered, with a notable 22.6% increase in the vaccination rate among adolescents aged 12 to 17.

In Taiwan, the Taipei Veterans General Hospital Taitung Branch is urging high-risk groups, including the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated early. The first phase of public flu vaccinations began on October 1, targeting seniors over 65, indigenous people over 55, and pregnant women. This year, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control has introduced enhanced influenza vaccines, prioritizing elderly residents in long-term care facilities to provide more durable protection.