Free flu jab but there's a catch

Doctors have called on the public to be vaccinated for both Covid and influenza ahead of the winter flu season, as potential outbreaks could be severe amid a loss of herd immunity due to an absence of flu outbreaks in the last two winters.

The government is subsidizing flu jab at HK$260, but the price depends on private doctors consultation fees.

The flu vaccination campaign starts from today for eligible groups in phases.

Samuel Kwok Po-yin, medical director of the private clinic Virtus Medical, said the public should prepare for a mass flu outbreak under relaxed social distancing measures and border policies.

Bookings can be made on the government's Covid vaccine booking system, and eligible people can choose to receive the free jab, Kwok said.

But he added bookings for the flu jab alone are not available.

Marco Ho Hok-kung, Virtus deputy chief medical executive, said a winter flu outbreak could be serious. And Hong Kong is vulnerable, he said, because more people are planning to travel or have more gatherings after years of Covid curbs.

The flu jabs will first be provided to patients at Hospital Authority clinics, including pediatric patients at high risk, elderly aged 65 or above, and people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Community-living elderly persons aged 65 or above can get the free flu jabs at 14 designated centers from October 24. Poultry workers and pig slaughtering workers can receive a free flu jab starting October 31.