Coronavirus Hong Kong: top government advisers join study on effects of third vaccine jab
- Several of the advisers had lost antibody protection against symptomatic infection of Covid-19 in the half year or more since taking their initial jabs
- But a medical expert says such declines are no cause for alarm and any booster shot programme should focus on the immunocompromised and elderly
The antibody levels in some participants were almost non-existent more than half a year after they received their initial jabs, but one leading medical expert said on Friday that any booster shot programme should prioritise the immunocompromised and elderly.
The city also confirmed three new cases, all imported and involving arrivals from Qatar, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, while fewer than five people tested preliminary-positive.
Additionally, current health director Dr Constance Chan Hon-yee, who has been in the role since June 2012, will go on leave ahead of her retirement. Dr Ronald Lam Man-kin, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, will take over on Tuesday, while Dr Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, previously controller of the Centre for Food Safety, will take up Lam’s role in early October.
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee was among the members of the chief executive’s de facto cabinet, the Executive Council, taking part in the research conducted at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in Happy Valley.