Flu Shots in Hong Kong: Where to Go and How Much Does It Cost?
This year’s seasonal influenza (a.k.a. flu) season is a bit different with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing. This is an additional reason to get your flu shot. Indeed you will want to avoid being sick and vulnerable, and it’s clearly best to avoid using healthcare capacity (in case of flu complications).
The good news is that the 2020/2021 new flu vaccine is now available in Hong Kong. Where can you get it? How much does it cost? Our AD MediLink team has done all the research for you, and brings you this practical guide with all the information you need.
Warning: The number of residents seeking flu shots in Hong Kong has tripled this year, leading to the shortages at many private practices, according to Dr Henry Yeung Chiu-fat, president of the city’s Doctors Union: “Members reported at least 30,000 more doses would be needed to meet demand”. A limited number of doses from three major overseas suppliers should arrive in November at the earliest. Some private clinics are already out of flu vaccines. Please contact them first before booking.
What is the new flu vaccine?
According to the Centre for Health Protection, the new flu shot a.k.a. egg-based quadrivalent SIV is available to be used for the 2020/2021 northern hemisphere influenza season. In accordance with the latest recommendations by the World Health Organization, the egg-based quadrivalent SIV is comprised of:
– A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
– A/Hong Kong/2671/2019(H3N2)-like virus
– B/Washington/02/2019-like virus
– B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus
In short, the new flu shot is safe and remains essential to prevent from getting the seasonal flu. It is recommended to get vaccinated every year. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.
Why is getting a flu shot important during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Reason #1: The new flu vaccine is not meant to fight off COVID-19, but to protect you from getting the seasonal flu! The seasonal flu vaccination is indeed one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, which can be serious. It is recommended that everyone (except babies below 6 months or people with contraindications) receives a flu shot.
From January 5 to February 12, 2020, Hong Kong reported 182 adult cases of influenza-associated admissions to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and 113 deaths. There were six severe paediatric cases reported (no child death, luckily).
Where to get a flu shot in HK and how much does it cost?
Flu shots in the public sector
On August 24, 2020, the Centre for Health Protection announced that the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) and the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) 2020/21 will be launched on October 8 and 22 respectively. These programs offer subsidised or free seasonal influenza vaccination to eligible persons. For a list of eligible persons, please check here.
The VSS (subsidised vaccination) – starting October 8 – provides subsidised flu shots and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible residents with the participation of private doctors. Good news: This year’s subsidy is increased from HKD210 to HKD240 per dose. For a list of private providers and costs relevant to the VSS, visit the directory here.
The GVP (free vaccination) – starting October 22 – provides free flu shots and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible groups.
For children, the Hong Kong government has implemented the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach, which allows free vaccination in primary schools, and with subsidies in kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centres and child care centres. So far, around 470 primary schools and 760 kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centres and child care centres have signed up. The outreach service for primary schools will start on October 22 while the service for kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centres and child care centres will begin on October 8.
For further details, please visit this website. Last year, over 1.3 million flu shots were given in HK as part of these schemes.
Flu shots in the private sector
To make it easier for you, here is a list of private clinics that provide the new flu shot:
Price | Contact Information | Address | |
Anyone above 3 years old: HKD150 + HKD310 (nurse's fee & vaccination) | Call 2824 0822 | 3/F, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell Street, Central | |
Dr. Vio & Partner | HKD350 | Room 1006, 10/F, Worldwide House, Des Voeux Road Central, Central | |
HKD388 (new OT&P patients aged 12 or below may need extra HKD1,050 for doctor's consultation) | Call 2155 9055 | Various locations - click here to check | |
Early Bird Privilege: | Call 8301 8301 | Various locations - click here to check | |
New and existing patients aged above 12 with no symptoms and no GP consultation required: HKD400 (vaccination) | Call 2537 6898 | 9/F, No.1 Duddell Street, Central | |
HKD380 | Call 8102 2022 | 5/F, Virtus Medical Tower, 122 Queen's Road Central, Central |
* All amounts were last updated on 16 September, 2020. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
Are flu vaccines covered by health insurance?
Whether you have coverage through work or on an individual basis, you may be covered for influenza vaccination. Check your outpatient coverage and look for the details of your vaccination or well-being benefits, if any. It is important to note, however, that vaccination reimbursements are usually capped to an annual limit and that there may be a waiting period to complete before you can start claiming for this particular benefit.
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Looking for health insurance? For expert advice and a free quote, contact AD MediLink now at hello@admedilink.hk or +852 2606 2668. One of our advisors will answer all your questions.
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This article was independently written by AD MediLink and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and should never be relied upon for specific advice.
