1. How much is the VSS subsidy?
In 2023/24, the subsidy for each dose of seasonal influenza vaccine is HK$260. For children under 9 years old who have never received seasonal influenza vaccination, subsidy for a maximum of 2 doses will be provided. Children who had 1 or more seasonal influenza vaccinations in previous seasons will only have subsidy for one dose in 2023/24.
The Government also subsidises eligible elderly to receive pneumococcal vaccine from private doctors. Subsidy level of one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is HK$400. Subsidy level of one dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is HK$800.
2. Do subsidised persons or their parents / guardians need to pay any fee?
The enrolled doctor may charge the eligible person a vaccination service fee after deducting the amount subsidised by Government. Some doctors do not charge any fee. Enrolled doctors are required to display the pricing information on influenza vaccination in the clinic. The Government also posts the fee through the eHealth System (Subsidies) website.
If extra service fee is required, and the elderly go to the doctors who also participate in the "Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme" to receive subsidized vaccines, they can use the health care vouchers to pay for the vaccination fees.
3. Will all enrolled doctors charge the same rate?
The Government subsidises eligible persons HK$260 for each influenza vaccination, and eligible elderly HK$400 for one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination and HK$800 for one dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, but the service fee charged by each doctor may vary. Some doctors do not charge any fee. Enrolled doctors are required to display the pricing information on vaccination in the clinic. The Government also posts the fee through the eHealth System (Subsidies) website.
4. Is the difference in service fees among clinics related to different costs of vaccines? Are the more expensive vaccines more effective?
Enrolled doctors are free to choose to buy any brands of vaccines that have been registered in Hong Kong. They can also decide their service fees according to their clinics' operation. In other words, the vaccine cost is not the sole determinant of the service fee. In Hong Kong, the registration and import of vaccines are subject to regulation by the “Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance” to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy.
5. Will the Government provide more subsidies for persons who choose certain types of influenza vaccine?
No. The Government subsidises HK$260 for each vaccination provided that it is recommended by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and also registered in Hong Kong, regardless of the type or the brand of the influenza vaccine.
6. For elderly who have received the free pneumococcal vaccination at public clinic, are they still entitled to have subsidy for pneumococcal vaccine?
- Elderly without high-risk conditions* who have received free / subsidised 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV13), is not entitled for further pneumococcal vaccination subsidy;
- Elderly with high-risk conditions* who have received 23vPPV, is entitled for subsidy for one dose of PCV13;
- Elderly with high-risk conditions* who have received PCV13, is entitled for subsidy for one dose of 23vPPV;
- Elderly with high-risk conditions* who have received both 23vPPV and PCV13, is not entitled for further pneumococcal vaccination subsidy.
* 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.
7. For elderly without high-risk conditions who have not yet received the pneumococcal vaccination, are they entitled to have subsidy for 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine?
No. The Government only provides one dose of free or subsidized 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine to eligible elderly without high-risk conditions.