Influenza
Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses, the symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue and headache. However, influenza can be a serious illness to the young children or elders, and may be complicated by bronchitis, chest infection or even death. WHO recommends to use the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) and also suggests the use of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) with more comprehensive protection since 2012.
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WHO's Recommendation
It is recommended the following composition of influenza virus for quadrivalent Flu vaccines in northern hemisphere influenza season:
2024-2025 Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines (Egg-Based)
Fluarix Tetra - from GSK / VaxigripTetra - from Sanofi / Influvac Tetra - form Abbott
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.
2024-2025 Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Egg-Based)
FluMist
(for Aged 2-49 years) - from AstraZeneca
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- A/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
Government Vaccination Subsidy Scheme:
．Pregnant Women
Women are eligible for subsidised seasonal influenza if they are Hong Kong residents and pregnant.
．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.
．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.
．Children (Persons of age between 6 months and less than 18 years)
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:
- Children and adolescents of age between 6 months and less than 18 years; or
- Persons of age 18 years or above but studying at a secondary school in Hong Kong (Please bring along the student card or handbook and submit a photocopy to the doctor)
（ *VSS for 12 to 17 years old or hongkong secondary school student start form 10 Nov 2022 ）
．Persons with Intellectual Disability
Persons are eligible for subsidized 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
- a certificate certifying the person is a person with intellectual disability (PID) or eligible for VSS issued by a registered doctor or the person in-charge from the designated institutions serving the PID
*The term "mentally handicap" is also accepted.
Please bring along the above document.
．Persons receiving Disability Allowance
Persons are eligible for subsidized 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.
．Recipients of standard rate of "100% disabled" or "requiring constant attendance" under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme
Hong Kong residents of age 12 to under 50 years who are receipients of standard rate of "100% disabled" or "requiring constant attendance" under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme and hold:
- A "Certificate of CSSA Recipients (for Medical Waivers)" issued before 15 December 2018; or
- The new Annex page of "Notification of Successful Application"/"Notification of Revision of Assistance"
(Please submit a photocopy of the above document to the doctor and sign a self-declaration form provided by the doctor enrolled in the VSS before vaccination.)
For details of the subsidy scheme, please visit : https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/46199.html
Source: Centre for Health Protection, WHO
last update : 4 july 2024
