Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today said Hong Kong could achieve a 50% COVID-19 vaccination rate if the present momentum continues, but it would take more than this for the city to reach herd immunity.

Addressing media questions after attending a radio programme, Prof Chan said more than 60,000 people received their first or second dose of a vaccine yesterday, and if this momentum keeps going until September it is possible for Hong Kong to achieve a vaccination rate of 50%.

“Of course, 50% is not enough, if we are talking about building herd immunity. Many of our experts actually said it has to be at least 70%.

The health chief added that the elderly, young people and frontline workers would benefit from getting vaccinated against the virus.

“If these groups come forward to take the vaccine, I think the vaccination rate can be further increased, but I think more work would need to be done.”