Explainer | Hong Kong has extended its Covid-19 vaccine pass to children as young as 5. Here’s what parents need to know
- New scheme comes into force on Friday with first phase requiring younger residents to get at least one vaccine dose
- Range of criteria for those who have recovered from Covid-19, depending on their vaccination status and time since last jab
Hong Kong health authorities have extended the city’s vaccine pass to children as young as five, from an initial starting age of 12 years, with residents in the new demographic subject to limitations in mobility citywide based on their inoculation status.
From Friday, the vaccine pass will cover children aged from five years to 11. They must have received one Covid-19 vaccine jab for entry into premises such as restaurants, libraries, gyms and government buildings.
The rule will eventually be expanded to a two-jab criteria by November.
The city has seen a gradual decline in Covid-19 caseloads to around 4,000 infections a day in late September, down from a daily figure of roughly 10,000 earlier in the month. Still, paediatricians have urged parents to get their children, especially those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions, vaccinated.
The Post breaks down the new policy below.
What are the new requirements for those aged five to 11?
The government announced the vaccine pass extension on Thursday to cover this age group, requiring them to have had a first jab in phase one of the scheme.
