Press Releases

SHWF inspects vaccination programme for mentally handicapped

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, today (November 10) visited "Home of Love", a sheltered workshop and hostel for the mentally handicapped in Sheung Wan, to observe the influenza vaccination programme conducted by the Department of Health (DH).

Speaking after the visit, Dr Yeoh said he was pleased to see that the programme was running smoothly and that some 50 residents of the hostel received vaccinations today.

"It is the first time that the DH has extended its influenza vaccination programme to include the long-stay residents of residential institutions for the mentally or physically disabled, in addition to elderly people living in residential care homes.

"The aim is to reduce the chance of an outbreak of influenza in these institutions, the risk of post-influenza complications such as pneumonia and subsequent admissions to hospitals

"It is anticipated that the free influenza vaccination programme operated by the DH this year will cover 59,000 residents in 750 elderly homes and some 10,000 residents in 209 residential institutions for the mentally or physically disabled, while the Hospital Authority will provide free vaccination for some 50,000 elders who are at particular high risk of influenza and have financial difficulties.

"To stay healthy, we should also strengthen our body resistance through a balanced diet, adequate rest and exercise and good personal hygiene, " Dr Yeoh said.

Dr Yeoh also took the opportunity to chat with the sheltered workers at "Home of Love" who were packing District Council Election materials and other commercial products.

Ends/Monday, November 10, 2003
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