Press Releases

Elderly people on CSSA or medical waivers to receive free flu vaccination

The Government announced today (June 3) that elderly people aged 65 or above on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) or medical waivers granted by the Hospital Authority or Social Welfare Department are eligible to receive free influenza vaccination.

 

In 2003/04, in the light of the cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza in neighbouring areas, the Government offered free influenza vaccination to selected groups of people who may have higher risk of influenza infection.

 

In order to minimise the risk of influenza infection among the elderly in the community, elderly people aged 65 or above on CSSA or medical waivers granted by the Hospital Authority or Social Welfare Department, and who have not received any influenza vaccination since the winter of 2003, are now eligible to receive free influenza vaccination. The initial plan is for this programme to run until June 30.

 

Eligible elderly people bringing along their Identity Card and the relevant certificate for waiver of medical charges may attend the general outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority for influenza vaccination. The decision to receive the vaccination or otherwise is entirely voluntary.

 

Ends/Thursday, June 3, 2004

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