Editorial | Excuses are running out for those Hong Kong citizens still to be vaccinated

Almost 10 months have passed since Hong Kong began offering free vaccines to residents to protect against the coronavirus. The emphasis was on freedom to choose, with a Chinese and a Western brand being made available and it being up to individuals whether to get jabbed.

Only late last month was the milestone of 70 per cent receiving at least one shot attained, but rates remain disappointingly low in older age groups. A survey of more than 5,600 people highlights the reality for authorities that there is a small minority not interested in being inoculated.

Widespread vaccination is seen by health experts as being the best route to move beyond Hong Kong’s zero-tolerance approach to the coronavirus and living with it. The findings of the online poll by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists indicate that the refusal of some residents could hamper such a goal.

It found 59 per cent of respondents were fully vaccinated, but 39 per cent had not received a single jab. Of those who were unvaccinated, 47 per cent had no intention of getting a shot and 27 per cent were undecided.

The survey also revealed that more than two-thirds of respondents would be comfortable with a strategy of living with the virus; on a 10-point scale, they gave a rating of seven or higher. But that cannot be an option for the government with vaccination rates, especially among the most vulnerable groups, still so low.