The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommends healthcare workers (HCWs) to receive seasonal influenza vaccination to reduce morbidity and reduce absenteeism among the workforce. Seasonal influenza vaccination in healthcare workers can also reduce the risk of transmitting influenza to patients who are at high risk of complications and mortality from influenza.
Health care workers are recommended by Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases as one of the highest priority groups for influenza vaccination. 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. Get vaccinated early to ensure protection.
Where can I receive influenza vaccine?
If you are working in Hospital Authority, Department of Health, Residential Care Homes (such as Residential Care Homes for the Elderly or Residential Care Homes Persons with Disabilities), designated institutions serving Persons with Intellectual Disability, or Residential Child Care Centres, you can receive free seasonal influenza vaccine from your employer or Visiting Medical Officer. If you are working in the other sectors, you should contact your own employer for information.
| Employer | Vaccination by |
| Hospital Authority | Respective units |
| Department of Health | Respective units |
| Residential Care Homes (such as Residential Care Homes for the Elderly or Residential Care Homes Persons with Disabilities) | Visiting Medical Officer |
| Residential Child Care Centres | Visiting Medical Officer |
| Designated institutions serving Persons with Intellectual Disability | Visiting Medical Officer |
Recommendations on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination for the 2023-24 Season in Hong Kong by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases