The COVID-19 Vaccination Programme was officially launched today, receiving an enthusiastic public response.

People in the priority groups who made appointments received the Sinovac vaccine at five Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and 18 Hospital Authority (HA) general outpatient clinics.

A total of about 6,000 people received their first dose of the vaccine today, while a cumulative total of about 6,600 people have been vaccinated since February 22.  

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip and Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan inspected the operation of the centres at the Central Library’s Exhibition Gallery and Kwun Chung Sports Centre.

On the first day of online appointment booking, all booking slots for the first two weeks were taken up. The online booking system in the designated website will be reopened at 9am on March 1.

Apart from the five centres and 18 general outpatient clinics, people can also make appointments to receive the Sinovac vaccine at three newly-added centres, namely Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre, Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre in Kwai Tsing and Yau Oi Sports Centre in Tuen Mun.

These centres will run for 56 days from March 6. The Government will review the situation including the supply of the vaccine and public demand, and update the arrangements at suitable junctures.

Starting from 9am on March 1, the public can book the timeslots available up to March 26 through the online booking system for receiving the Sinovac vaccine at the eight CVCs and 18 general outpatient clinics.

People can seek assistance for making online bookings from about 120 post offices or the 180 management offices of the public housing estates.

Apart from the CVCs, people belonging to the priority groups can also receive the Sinovac vaccine at private doctor clinics participating in the vaccination programme from the middle of next week. Information about these clinics will be uploaded to the designated website.

The Government has procured three vaccines from different technology platforms with a total of 22.5 million doses, which would be sufficient for vaccinating all the people in Hong Kong.

The programme has been proceeding in a safe and orderly manner. People are encouraged to get vaccinated early so that Hong Kong to successfully fight the epidemic as soon as possible.