FAQs for Parents and General Public

2009-03-31

(II) Eligibility

Who are eligible under the IVSS?

Primarily children who are Hong Kong residents between the age of 6 months and less than 6 years on the day of first dose of influenza vaccination. Children who are Hong Kong residents and aged 6 years or above but attending a kindergarten or child care centre in Hong Kong are also eligible for IVSS.

Is my child eligible for IVSS if he is 6 years old on 1 November 2008?

Children who are Hong Kong residents and aged 6 years or above but attending a kindergarten or child care centre in Hong Kong are eligible for IVSS. Parents have to show the attending doctor the child's pre-school attendance proof such as Student Handbook or Student Card and submit a photocopy to the doctor, or submit a stamped Pre-primary Institution Certification Form.

Can my 3 months old child get influenza vaccination?

Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months old. You may bring your child for vaccination during the IVSS Vaccination Period when the child is 6 months old.

My child will be over 6 when he/she is due for the second dose of vaccination, will he/she continue to be eligible for the second dose subsidy under IVSS?

Provided that the first subsidised injection is given during the Vaccination Period, the Government will provide subsidy for the second injection up to 31 May 2009. Parents will have to show the doctor the vaccination record/card.

What kinds of documents are accepted as a documentary proof for Hong Kong resident status?

Identity documents that can be accepted as proof of Hong Kong resident status include:
- Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card;
- Hong Kong Birth Certificate indicating that the holder's Hong Kong permanent resident status "Established";
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport;
- Hong Kong Re-entry Permit;
- Document of Identity for Visa Purposes bearing endorsement showing the holder is permitted to remain in Hong Kong;
- "Permit to Remain in HKSAR" (ID 235B) showing unconditioned stay in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or that the holder is permitted to remain until a specific date;
- Valid travel document with endorsement showing "the right to land" in Hong Kong; "the holder was permitted to land" in Hong Kong; "previous conditions of stay are hereby cancelled"; holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent ID card verified; "Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region"; unconditional stay in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region had been granted; "permitted to remain until" or "permission to remain extended until" a specific date;
- Certificate issued by the Births and Deaths Registry for adopted children indicating that the holder's permanent resident status "Established".

Is my child eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy if he holds a dependent visa to stay in Hong Kong with parents?

If your child's travel document shows the endorsement of "Permitted to remain until (date)", he is eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy.

My child was born in Hong Kong. Is he eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy although both of us are not Hong Kong residents?

Your son will be eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy if he holds identity document that can prove his Hong Kong resident status.

My child, aged 6, is a Hong Kong permanent resident and is attending Mainland kindergarten. Is he eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy?

No. Children aged 6 years or above are eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy only if they are attending kindergarten or child care centre in Hong Kong.

My child is under 6 years old but studying in primary school in Hong Kong. Is he eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy?

Yes. Your child is eligible since he / she is under 6 years old. Furthermore, children who are Hong Kong residents and aged 6 years or above but attending a kindergarten or child care centre in Hong Kong are also eligible for the influenza vaccination subsidy.