The children community vaccination centres (CCVCs) at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay and Yuen Chau Kok Sports Centre in Sha Tin started operation today to provide the BioNTech jab service to children aged five to 11.

The Hong Kong University CCVC at Gleneagles Hospital in Wong Chuk Hang will start service next Thursday, the Government announced.

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip appealed to parents to make reservations for their children of appropriate ages to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as COVID-19 mutant strains are spreading quickly in Hong Kong, with severe and death cases involving children reported.

“I encourage parents to learn more about the benefits of the vaccines so that they will feel at ease about letting their children get vaccinated.

“As the BioNTech vaccine for children requires a special dilution procedure, we have invited experienced medical teams from the Hospital Authority and the University of Hong Kong to operate the three CCVCs.”

The CCVCs operate from 10am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 8pm on weekends. All centres close between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on working days for cleaning.

Children aged five to 11 can only receive their BioNTech vaccination in the CCVCs, the Government noted.

Parents or guardians can make bookings for their children to get the BioNTech jab at the CCVCs through the Government’s designated website.

On the date of vaccination, parents or guardians of the children must accompany them in person, and bring a duly signed consent form.

Separately, the Government will facilitate vaccination by providing transport between schools and the CCVCs. The Education Bureau has issued a letter to schools detailing the arrangements.

The Government is also planning to set up another community vaccination centre dedicated for children, teenagers and the elderly next week, it added.