1. When is the vaccination period for seasonal influenza vaccination 2023/24 under VSS?
The season of 2023-24 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination will commence on 28 September 2023. Pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly will continue throughout the year.
2. When is the vaccination period for pneumococcal vaccination under VSS?
Eligible elderly aged 65 years or above can receive pneumococcal vaccination throughout the year. The subsidy for elderly to receive 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine has been effective since its launch in October 2009, while the subsidy for elderly with high-risk conditions* to receive 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is effective from October 2017, and the subsidy for elderly with high-risk conditions* to receive 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is effective from November 2023.
* High-risk conditions include:
- History of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant;
- Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complications), lung, liver or kidney diseases;
- Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);
- Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or cancer/steroid treatment; and
- Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions or the handling of respiratory secretions, or increase the risk of aspiration, or those who lack the ability to take care of themselves.