Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang urges parents to get their children vaccinated now for influenza before the peak season strikes within the next two months.

He issued the advisory today saying parents should stay vigilant, despite Hong Kong's stable flu situation. They should bring their children to doctors participating in the influenza vaccination subsidy scheme as soon as possible. He warned this is their last opportunity before peak season as most children will require two injections, with the second one taken four weeks after the first.

Launched in November by the Department of Health, the scheme subsidises children from six months old to six years in getting flu vaccinations from private doctors. About 1,200 doctors participating in the scheme have given 40,000 flu vaccinations to eligible children so far. The Government pays an $80 subsidy for each shot and has already paid more than $3 million dollars.

The scheme will reduce illness and hospitalisation from seasonal flu, which can have intense cycles.