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Details of Vaccination Subsidy Scheme

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Details of Vaccination Subsidy Scheme
Details of Vaccination Subsidy Scheme
2019-10-09
Vaccination Subsidy Scheme

Scheme details

Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) is a scheme that provides subsidised seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible Hong Kong residents through the participation of private doctors. The Government reimburses subsidy to enrolled doctors for providing vaccinations to eligible persons. On top of Government's subsidy, enrolled doctors may impose extra charge for the vaccination.

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection has made recommendation on seasonal influenza vaccination for 2019/20 season and pneumococcal vaccination to enhance immunity of high-risk persons. The latest recommendations can be viewed here.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

The VSS 2019/20 has launched on 9 October 2019. Persons eligible for subsidised influenza vaccination are Hong Kong residents of the following groups: pregnant women, persons aged 50 years or above, children aged 6 months to under 12 years, persons with intellectual disability and persons receiving Disability Allowance.

Eligible persons are entitled to receive subsidised influenza vaccination from private doctors enrolled in the VSS. The subsidy level of seasonal influenza vaccine is $210 per dose. The doctor may impose extra fees, some doctors may not charge extra fee. In Hong Kong, influenza is usually more common in periods from January to March/ April and from July to August. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body. It is recommended to get vaccinated early to ensure protection.

Pneumococcal 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 has been providing 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.

The VSS for pneumococcal vaccination runs throughout the year. In VSS 2019/20, the subsidy level is $250 per dose of 23vPPV and $730 per dose of PCV13. The doctor may impose extra fees, some doctors may not charge extra fees.

Types of subsidised pneumococcal vaccinations to be administered to elderly aged 65 or above are as follow:

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.

Eligible Groups

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 subsidised 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 mentally handicap); or

  • a certificate certifying the person is a person with intellectual disability (PID) or eligible for VSS 2019/20 issued by a registered doctor or the person in-charge from the designated institutions serving the PID

Please bring along the above document.

 

Eligible Persons receiving Disability Allowance

Persons are eligible for subsidised 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

Programme Management and Vaccination Division
Tel: 2125 2125
Fax: 2713 9576
E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30 hours. No service on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday.