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| HA doctors hold press conference to urge public to take flu jabs early |
The Hospital Authority urged people in Hong Kong to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as soon as possible, amid a surge in infections and serious cases.
An HA consultant said Tuesday
the number of cases could go even higher in the winter, so now is the time to
get the jab, as it takes two weeks for antibodies to form following vaccination.
This protection could last for at least six months.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
“If people receive
vaccination in September and October, there will be enough time for their
bodies to develop antibodies, so that they will have sufficient immunity during
Christmas and New Year – a peak time for travel and gatherings,” said Chan Ting
Bong of the New Territories East Cluster’s department of family medicine.
Chan said that pregnant women
in particular should get the vaccine as soon as possible, because this will not
only protect their own health but also that of the babies they’re carrying.
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| HK Medical Association doctors echo the call for early vaccination |
Earlier, the Hong Kong
Medical Association issued the same call, and warned of possible flu outbreaks
at schools at the start of classes, increasing the risk of community
transmission.
Raymond Tso, council member
of the association said that an increasing number of cases were recorded from
late August to early September, as students began returning to schools.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
“That’s why we advise people
to get their vaccination sooner to prevent any serious consequences of flu
infections,” Tso added.
One flu outbreak that has caused concern happened at the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, where 13 more patients and one staff member were recently reported to have been infected. Three infected patients aged 81 to 95 have died, all of whom had underlying illnesses.
The sick patients who were in
the tuberculosis and infirmary wards have been put in isolation, while the
staff member is on leave.
The hospital had previously announced
that since September 7, eight patients and two staff members had tested positive
for influenza A. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures to
prevent a further spread of the virus.
The Seasonal Influenza
Vaccination Programme by the government is set to begin on Thursday, with
eligible patients who regularly visit public hospitals and outpatient clinics
being first in line.
The flu jab is given free to those aged 50 and above, children from six months to 18 years old, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases and disabilities. Designated private clinics also administer them free or at subsidized cost to eligible patients.
One such clinic will resume providing free flu shots to Filipinos who turn 50 this year, or older, on September 22, Tuesday, at the Migrant Workers Office on the 29th floor of United Centre in Admiralty.
After this, the free jabs will be given half-a-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and whole day on Sundays. Those eligible may walk in during designated days and time as listed by the MWO.
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