Hong Kong poultry workers may receive free vaccinations for personal protection against influenza at one of the 16 designated general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority from 2pm on February 2.

At a meeting yesterday, the Advisory Committee on Immunisation endorsed the World Health Organisation's recommendation that all persons exposed to infected chickens or to farms under suspicion should receive influenza vaccinations to avoid simultaneous infection by human influenza.

Although Hong Kong has no reported human case of H5 influenza, the committee still recommended poultry workers receive vaccinations for personal protection against influenza.

Programme covers 6,000 operators

The vaccination programme covers about 6,000 chicken and pigeon farmers and market/street live poultry stall keepers.

They will start receiving invitations from the Department of Health through their contacts from the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department.

Upon presentation of the form issued by the Department of Health, people who are to be vaccinated will be given the vaccine on the same day as far as possible, or be given an appointment at a later date.

Related Gov't staff encouraged to be vaccinated

Staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department who are in regular contact with poultry or are expected to be involved in avian influenza prevention and control activities will also be encouraged to receive vaccination at those clinics.