The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reported a significant increase in local seasonal influenza activity, with detection rates rising from 1.35% to 3.5% over the past two weeks. As temperatures drop, the CHP anticipates that seasonal influenza cases may surpass threshold levels in the coming one to two weeks, marking the start of the influenza season in Hong Kong.
To protect individual and community health, the CHP strongly recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older, with the exception of those with known contraindications, receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) as soon as possible. High-risk groups are also encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 concurrently to minimize the risk of severe complications.
Recent surveillance data indicates a rise in the admission rate for influenza patients in public hospitals, increasing from 0.08 to 0.23 cases per 10,000 population. Both of these indicators have exceeded the thresholds set by the World Health Organization, which are 4.94% for detection rates and 0.27 cases per 10,000 population.
The CHP advises the community to remain vigilant and adopt personal protective measures, emphasizing that vaccination is one of the most effective methods to prevent seasonal influenza and its related complications. Special emphasis is placed on protecting children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
With rising influenza activity reported in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, the CHP encourages individuals planning to travel during the Lunar New Year holidays to get vaccinated early and to stay informed about influenza conditions at their destinations.
An analysis of severe pediatric influenza cases between January and July 2024 revealed that unvaccinated children aged 6 months to 17 years were approximately 3.2 times more likely to experience severe complications or death compared to their vaccinated peers. This protective effect is especially pronounced in younger children, with unvaccinated 2- to 5-year-olds being about 6.4 times more at risk.
As of December 29, 2024, approximately 1,806,000 doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine have been administered, reflecting a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Participation in the SIV School Outreach Programme has also grown, with around 91% of kindergartens and childcare centers, 96% of primary schools, and 94% of secondary schools participating.
However, vaccination coverage for children aged 6 months to under 2 years remains low, at about 16.9%. To improve access, the Department of Health has opened Maternal & Child Health Centres to facilitate vaccinations for this age group.
Due to the higher risk of severe complications from co-infection with influenza and COVID-19, the CHP strongly urges those who have not yet received their initial COVID-19 vaccine dose—especially young children and the elderly—to do so promptly. Eligible individuals can schedule appointments for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations through the Government’s online platform.
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