Press Releases

Acting SFH on human swine influenza vaccine (with photos)

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Acting Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, at a stand-up media session after visiting Chai Wan Health Centre today (December 21):

Reporter: (Question on the monitor of the use of the vaccine)

Acting Secretary for Food and Health: We have a system to monitor the use of human swine flu vaccine in the private sector as well as those in our own public clinics, and we would be able to tell from the statistics, the proportion allocated to the target groups versus those who do not fall under those five categories (target groups). If we have seen substantial deviation in the ratios, we will of course put a close watch on the cases. In the contracts between us and the private practitioners, there is of course a clause stating that they must abide by the guidelines and rules, or the contracts between us may be suspended in serious cases.

Reporter: (Question on response to the vaccination programme)

Acting Secretary for Food and Health: I think the important thing is, first of all, a lot of schools are still going on today and therefore I can understand why it may be a little bit difficult to have the kids in the clinic to get vaccinated. Secondly, I think it is important to note that we have adjusted our strategy in that we no longer require people to make an appointment first and that makes it easier and convenient for parents and guardians to take children to our clinics. Of course, the caveat is: subject to the availability of the slots, but I think the important thing is to encourage more children under the age of six to come out and get vaccinated and protected before the winter peak comes along.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)


Ends/Monday, December 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:26

NNNN

(Photo 1), (Photo 2), (Photo 3)