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Vaccination Subsidy Scheme Details

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Vaccination Subsidy Scheme Details

Vaccination Subsidy Scheme Details

2018-10-10
Vaccination Subsidy Scheme

Background

The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2018/19 has been launched on 10 October 2018. Starting from this year, the Government has extended the eligible groups for subsidised influenza vaccination to include Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 64 years. Other eligible Hong Kong residents include pregnant women, elderly aged 65 years or above, children aged 6 months to under 12 years (or attending primary school in Hong Kong), persons with intellectual disability and persons receiving Disability Allowance. Eligible persons are entitled to receive subsidised influenza vaccination from private doctors enrolled in the Scheme, the subsidy has been increased to $210 per dose of seasonal influenza vaccination.

Since 2009, the Government has been providing one dose of subsidised 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccination (23vPPV) to Hong Kong residents aged 65 years or above who have never received pneumococcal vaccination before. To strengthen the prevention of pneumococcal infection, starting in 2017/18, Government will provide subsidy for one dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and subsidy for one dose of 23vPPV one year after to elderly aged 65 years or above who have high-risk conditions. 

Eligible elderly aged 65 years or above can also get subsidy for pneumococcal vaccination (available throughout the year). In VSS 2018/19, the subsidy level of 23vPPV has been increased to $250 per dose; subsidy level of PCV13 is $730 per dose. Details are as follows:

Elderly aged 65 years or above Have not received any pneumococcal vaccination Have received 23vPPV  Have received PCV13 Have received both PCV13 and 23vPPV
Without high-risk conditions Subsidise one dose of 23vPPV  No vaccination needed No vaccination needed No vaccination needed
With high-risk conditions Subsidise one dose of PCV13 followed by one dose of 23vPPV one year after Subsidise one mop-up dose of PCV13 one year after the previous 23vPPV  Subsidise one dose of 23vPPV one year after the previous PCV13 No vaccination needed

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.

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection has recommended eligible persons to receive yearly seasonal influenza vaccination and elderly to receive pneumococcal vaccination because of their higher disease-related complication risk and hospitalisation rate. The latest recommendations can be viewed at: http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/sas6/101/110/106.html

Eligible Pregnant Women

Women are eligible for subsidised seasonal influenza vaccination if they are Hong Kong residents and pregnant.



Eligible Elderly

Elderly are eligible for subsidised seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations if they are Hong Kong residents AND aged 65 years or above this year.



Eligible Persons Aged between 50 and 64 Years

Persons are eligible for subsidised seasonal influenza vaccination if they are Hong Kong residents AND aged between 50 and 64 years this year.



Eligible Children

Children are eligible for subsidised influenza vaccination if they are Hong Kong residents AND meet either of the following conditions on the day of vaccination:
  • between the age of 6 months and less than 12 years; or
  • attending a primary school in Hong Kong (please bring along the student card or handbook)



Eligible Persons with Intellectual Disability

Persons are eligible for subsidized influenza vaccination if they are Hong Kong residents AND have the following document proof:

  • the Registration Card for People with Disabilities (with indication of intellectual disability*); or

  • a certificate certifying the person is a person with intellectual disability (PID) or eligible for VSS 2018/19 issued by a registered doctor or the person in-charge from the designated institutions serving the PID

* The term "mentally handicap" is also accepted.

Please bring along the above document.



Eligible Persons receiving Disability Allowance

Persons are eligible for subsidized influenza vaccination if they are Hong Kong residents AND receiving the Disability Allowance issued by the Social Welfare Department (SWD). Please bring along the approval letter for Disability Allowance issued by SWD.

Learn more about VSS

Enquiry

Vaccination Office, Centre for Health Protection
Hotline: 2125 2125
Fax: 2713 9576
E-mail: vacs@dh.gov.hk
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30 hours. No service on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday.