The SUN HK : Free flu jabs at Polo for eligible Filipinos extended

By The SUN

Poster for the free flu jabs say the vaccination will continue for at least two more Sundays

The free influenza vaccination at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Admiralty for Filipinos who are 50 years old and above or below 12 years old, pregnant women and those with disabilities, has been extended for at least two more Sundays, on Oct 24 and 31.

This is according to Assistant Labor Attache Angelica Sunga, today, Oct 21, after the third day of the free flu shots at Polo had to be cut shortly after lunch time as there were no more doses left.

ALA Sunga said the Shoebill Health Care clinic brought only a total of 150 doses, as the plan originally was to call off today’s vaccination, but nearly all of it was gone by noon.

Call now!

In the past two Sundays, about 400 doses on each day were administered to Filipinos, most of them migrant workers.

She said it is likely that the seasonal vaccination which has been offered at Polo for the past three years will continue even until next month, depending on Shoebill’s willingness to continue the project.

In future, Sunga said the vaccination may be extended to those below 50 years, but for a $200 fee to be paid directly to Shoebill. "But right now we want to give priority to those in the recommended age range as they are more vulnerable," she said.

ALA Sunga says those outside the age range may be given flu jabs in future, but for a fee

The flu shots are being provided by the Hong Kong government under the Department of Health’s vaccination subsidy scheme to prepare eligible members of the public for the coming winter flu season.

PRESS FOR DETAILS!

“Today, we brought only 150 shots because few workers come here on a weekday. On Sunday, we will bring more,” said a Shoebill staff after telling a Filipina who arrived after 2pm that the vaccination was over for the day.

All eligible Filipinos can avail themselves of the free inoculation in Polo on the 29^th floor of the United Centre Bldg from 9:30am to 4:30pm. All they have to do is to present their Hong Kong ID card and fill up a vaccination form.

The flu vaccine provided by Shoebill at Polo

On Wednesday, Acting Chief Executive John Lee and other top Hong Kong officials received their seasonal flu jabs as the government pushed the campaign for more residents to get the vaccination early.

“Influenza can cause not only serious illnesses in high-risk individuals but also infection in healthy persons. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications,” Lee said.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

He said flu vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and length of stay.

Those who just had their Covid-19 vaccine must wait for at least 14 days before getting the flu jab. Elderly people who are fit to take the flu vaccine must have no problem getting vaccinated for Covid-19. They should receive a coronavirus vaccine early as long as they not suffering from acute illness.

The government provides free or subsidized flu shots for eligible groups through various schemes targeting those who are in elderly care homes, schools or are disabled.

Tunghayan ang isa na namang Kwentong Dream Love

Eligible persons include residents of care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities, child care centres, children aged six months to under 12 years, persons aged 50 and above, pregnant women, persons with intellectual disability and recipients of Disability Allowance.

For more information, visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/100764.html or call 2125 2125 during office hours.