By The SUN
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| The BioNTech vaccine is recommended for the 3rd dose for greater immunity (File) |
From November 11, Thursday, people who are 60 years old and above, healthcare and other high-risk workers and persons with chronic illnesses may start getting a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine free of charge.
Booking for the booster dose at any of the community vaccination centers or designated clinics of the Hospital Authority will open on Friday, Nov. 5, but the walk-in system where qualified individuals may ask for same-day tickets remains in force.
The news comes as three imported cases of Covid-19 were
reported today, Nov. 3, involving people who flew in from the
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One of them is a 62-year-old man who worked at the Hong Kong
Football Club in
Meanwhile, health authorities say the priority groups for receiving a third dose of a Covid vaccine include cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, advanced-stage HIV patients and those taking active immunosuppressive drugs. The third dose should be administered at least four weeks from the second dose.
Those who are aged 60 and above, medical workers and airport and hotel staff, cross-boundary drivers and those classified as high-risk because of the nature of their jobs can get their third dose at least six months from the second dose.
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For these two groups, a third dose of the BioNTech vaccine is recommended for greater immunity, though they may still choose Sinovac.
Individuals aged 18 or above who belong to the high-risk groups who have received two jabs of BioNTech vaccine are recommended to get their third dose from the same drug supplier at least six months after their second shot.
Those who may also opt for an additional dose of a Covid vaccine are fully recovered Covid-19 patients who were previously allowed only one dose. Health authorities suggest they consult their doctor whether they should have two doses, which should be given at an interval of six months.
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At a press briefing, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said about 1.86 million people are eligible to take the booster shot, though they admit they only have 1.7 million BioNTech doses left.
“Right now we still have enough stock, but we will monitor the situation. In case it is running low, obviously we will procure enough vaccines for people who need them,” said Secretary Chan.
She said experts advising the city on its vaccination program will be consulted on whether everyone will be offered a third dose in future.
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| Chan says experts will say whether a 3rd dose will be offered to everyone |
All qualified individuals may receive their third dose through these channels:
(1) Online booking for appointments starting from Nov 5 through www.covidvaccine.gov.hk
(2) Collect same-day tickets and get vaccinated at the CVCs (except those located at a private hospital) without prior booking. The tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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(3) Patients and visitors of public hospitals can receive BioNTech vaccination
without prior booking at nine vaccination stations at
(4) They can also make reservation for Sinovac vaccination through private
doctors or clinics enrolled in the Vaccination Program. The full list is here: (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/VSS).
Those who wish to make a booking for their third dose should show their supporting documents to CVC staff for verification on the day of vaccination based on the following guidelines:
As immunocompromised patients should receive the third dose at least four weeks
from the second dose, they should bring along with them a medical
certificate for the third dose. A medical certificate template will be
available at the designated website later.
For immunocompromised persons aged between 12 and 17, they are required to
bring along a consent form signed by their parents. They must be accompanied by
their parents to the CVC on the day of vaccination. A template of the consent
form can be downloaded from the designated website.
For persons with a higher risk of infection, persons aged 60 or above can show
their
Healthcare workers and workers at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational setting can provide their work certifications or make a declaration stating that they work in the relevant trades.
For individuals who have taken two doses of Sinovac vaccine and need to travel overseas but fall outside the higher risk groups, they may bring along their air tickets to the CVCs. Their requests will be handled on a discretionary basis.
Persons with chronic illnesses should consult their physician on the appropriate time to receive the third dose. To facilitate their vaccination, relevant documentary proof is not necessary.
The BioNTech vaccine is for persons aged 12 or above while the Sinovac vaccine is for persons aged 18 or above.
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