The Free Measles Vaccination Mop-up Programme will be extended to cover adult Hong Kong residents to boost the community's herd immunity against measles, the Centre for Health Protection announced today.

Noting that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, the centre implemented a one-off mop-up programme for healthcare workers, airport staff and foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong last year.

Under the extension, Hong Kong residents born between 1967 and 2002, and have not received two doses of measles vaccines at or after one year old, and do not have laboratory confirmed measles; or those born before 1967, and have laboratory evidence of testing non-immune to measles are eligible to receive free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines at designated clinics starting February 3.

The service period will last for around six months.

Eligible Hong Kong residents must make a prior booking for vaccination and bring their Hong Kong identity card or Certificate of Exemption, including both original and one copy, while those born before 1967 are required to bring a laboratory test result report confirming non-immunity to measles.

The centre also encouraged people who are non-locally born, people of all ethnicities, post-secondary students, foreign domestic helpers and those who have frequent contact with tourists to receive vaccinations.

They can receive free MMR vaccines under the programme if they are non-immune and are Hong Kong residents.

The centre explained that people who have received two doses of measles vaccines at or after one year old, or who have had laboratory confirmed measles infection are considered to be immune to measles and do not require MMR vaccination.

For those uncertain about their past measles vaccination history and do not have laboratory confirmed measles infection, they can refer to the centre’s website.

Healthcare workers will also perform a health assessment to determine whether mop-up measles vaccination is recommended.

In addition, the one-off mop-up programme providing free measles vaccination to foreign domestic helpers will end on February 15. Click here for details and appointment methods.