Coronavirus: Hong Kong expands availability of booster jabs beyond high-risk groups

A third dose of either the Sinovac or BioNTech vaccines will be available from Tuesday for those who have had two jabs of the mainland Chinese-produced version

Top ups for those fully vaccinated with BioNTech will remain available only to high-risk groups; city records four imported Covid-19 cases

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Hongkongers queuing for a vaccine booster shot at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre in Sai Ying Pun last week. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 1:37pm, 18 Nov 2021Updated: 9:43pm, 18 Nov 2021

Hong Kong’s coronavirus booster shot programme, which opened to high-risk groups just last week, is being expanded to include anyone who has received a second Sinovac jab at least six months ago.

Bookings and walk-in appointments for third vaccine doses for the expanded group will be available from Tuesday, with those previously vaccinated with the mainland China-produced drug also able to choose the BioNTech version, which offers greater protection.

“After evaluating the capacity and service demand at community vaccination centres and stations, we decided to expand the inoculation arrangement to let more people get vaccinated,” a government spokesman said in a press release.

He reminded the public there should be at least 14 days between receiving a Covid-19 jab and taking a vaccine for other illnesses.

The announcement came as Hong Kong confirmed four new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, all imported infections, while fewer than five people tested preliminary-positive.

The city’s tally of confirmed infections now stands at 12,395, with 213 related deaths.

The government has previously said a third dose of BioNTech vaccine “may elicit a better immune response”, but the choice is being left to residents, who are urged to consult a doctor if necessary.