Flu infections on the rise, health expert warns

Lau Yu-lung, chairman of the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases, warned on Monday that the city’s influenza activity is expected to increase and would take two to three weeks before it starts to decline.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, the health expert said Hong Kong’s flu infection is expected to rise with the city having just entered the flu season with the weather turning colder, along with many residents returning from overseas travel.

When asked to comment on the government’s move naming and shaming some 160 schools for refusing to participate in the school outreach program for flu vaccines, Lau said schools should participate in the program to offer more choices for parents.

He acknowledged that outreach vaccinations at schools can indeed boost the vaccination rate, yet he said there will always be some people who are unwilling to get vaccinated. 

Going public with the schools refusing to participate the program will inevitably creates pressure for the schools, but the key is to work together and respect everyone's choices, he said.

Lau suggested that schools not participating in the program could be required to report to the authorities and provide reasons, allowing authorities or the industry to assist these schools in addressing their difficulties.

He also said even if schools have participated in the program, parents' right to choose whether or not to have their children getting the jab must be respected.

Meanwhile, the health expert noted that the pressure on public healthcare services could be significantly alleviated should the vaccination rate for influenza can be increased to up to 70 percent overall.