Hong Kong likely to give out seasonal flu, Covid-19 shots at same time, government adviser says

Professor David Hui says expert panel expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss whether booster shots should be given to Covid-19 vaccine recipients

Health officials confirm four more Covid-19 cases, all imported, on Sunday

Reading Time:3 minutes

Hongkongers have a choice of two different Covid-19 vaccines. Photo: May Tse

Published: 7:58pm, 24 Oct 2021Updated: 11:54pm, 24 Oct 2021

Hong Kong is likely to give seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time in line with World Health Organization (WHO) suggestions as the latest data suggests simultaneous vaccination will not affect their efficacy, a government pandemic adviser has said.

Professor David Hui Shu-cheong said an expert panel was expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss whether booster shots should be given to those who had already received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, but rejected the idea the city should relax restrictions and “live together” with the virus.

He said administering both influenza and coronavirus shots would make it more convenient for patients – who could receive one injection in each arm – and boost the Covid-19 vaccination rate.

Hong Kong health officials confirmed four more Covid-19 cases, all imported, on Sunday, involving two foreign domestic helpers and a seafarer from the Philippines, as well as an aircrew member from Saudi Arabia. Three were carrying mutant strains of the virus, while the remaining one was awaiting test results. Fewer than five people tested preliminary-positive.

Mainland experts said Hong Kong should test high-risk workers more frequently. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

The latest cases brought Hong Kong’s tally of confirmed infections to 12,324, with 213 related deaths.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x