Chief Executive John Lee today led Principal Officials to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) and called on the public to get vaccinated early for better protection before the winter flu season.

Mr Lee and some of the officials also received the COVID-19 booster jab at the same time.

The Chief Executive said it is the best time to receive the SIV for effective protection in the coming year against the influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization in preparation for the impending winter and summer influenza seasons.

He noted that through the concerted efforts of various stakeholders in the community under the Government's leadership, 1.87 million doses were administered under various government vaccination programmes in the 2023-24 season - a record high 20% increase from the 2022-23 season.

“I hope the vaccination rate in this season can reach even greater heights so as to build a more robust protection barrier in society to safeguard citizens' health.”

Mr Lee added that high-risk priority groups should also receive an additional COVID-19 booster six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection, whichever is later, to enhance protection and reduce the risks of serious complications and death.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, who had earlier received the SIV and COVID-19 vaccination, was also present to show his support.

Prof Lo said: "Various SIV programmes commenced on September 26 to provide free or subsidised SIV for eligible people. I urge members of the public to act now and receive the SIV in October."

Special arrangements were made under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme this year, wherein kindergartens and childcare centres can choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) (ie nasal vaccines) for the same or different outreach vaccination activities.

Additionally, a pilot scheme was rolled out in which LAIV will be provided for the first time to primary and secondary schools that had indicated earlier this year their preference for arranging LAIV for their students.

To offer greater convenience for receiving the SIV this year, the Government specifically designated additional vaccination venues for citizens' selection.