The Government today announced that the minimum age for receiving the Sinovac vaccine will be lowered to three from February 15.

Having regard to the advice of the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines and considering the risks posed by the epidemic to the local community, as well as the benefits of lowering the age limit for receiving the Sinovac vaccine to cover children aged three to 17 outweigh the risks, the Secretary for Food & Health earlier approved the eligibility of the Sinovac vaccine to cover individuals aged three and above.

From 8am on February 15, parents or guardians can make online reservations for children to receive the Sinovac jab at community vaccination centres or the Hospital Authority's designated general outpatient clinics.

They should accompany their children when receiving vaccination and bring along the child's original identity documents and a duly signed consent form.

The Government reminded that an interval of 28 days is required for children to receive the first and second doses of the Sinovac vaccine, same as for adults.

Meanwhile, children aged five to 11 can also receive the BioNTech vaccine starting February 16.