The Department of Health today said it has allocated nasal spray live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) to private doctors enrolled in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS).

The move aims to encourage eligible Hong Kong residents to receive vaccinations as soon as practicable to prevent seasonal influenza.

Children aged between 2 and below 12, or children aged 12 or above who are studying at a primary school in Hong Kong are eligible to receive free nasal spray LAIV from private doctors enrolled in the VSS.

Hong Kong residents aged between 2 and 49 with intellectual disabilities, receiving Disability Allowance or are recipients of the standard rate of 100% disabled or requiring constant attendance under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme also belong to the eligible groups of the VSS.

However, pregnant women and those who have low immunity or have other contraindications are unsuitable to receive free nasal spray LAIV.

The Government subsidy to doctors for providing vaccination services is $100 per dose, which is the same as the subsidy per dose of influenza vaccine under the Government's other vaccination programmes and scheme.

The department also reminded the public that influenza viruses and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 may both spread in the coming winter influenza season. Individuals contracting influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill.

It explained that receiving an influenza vaccine early during 2020-21 is therefore important.

The Government had earlier announced to increase the overall supply of seasonal influenza vaccines (SIV) in view of the keen demand for SIV by the public and the tight supply of SIV around the world.