9th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) Dr Edwin Tsui, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) at the Department of Health, announced today that Hong Kong has officially entered the influenza season, as indicated by recent surveillance data. With colder weather on the horizon, an increase in seasonal influenza activity is anticipated over the coming weeks, alongside a potential rise in other respiratory infections. The public is urged to remain vigilant and adopt personal protection measures, including receiving vaccinations to safeguard their health and that of their families.
“As of January 4, the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was recorded at 5.69 per cent, while the influenza admission rate in public hospitals stood at 0.36 cases per 10,000 population. Both figures have surpassed the thresholds of 4.94 per cent and 0.27 cases per 10,000 respectively, confirming the onset of the influenza season. Notably, around 90 per cent of positive detections were identified as influenza A (H1),” stated Dr Tsui.
Additionally, the number of reported influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks has risen since the Christmas and New Year holidays, with seven institutional or school outbreaks reported in the week ending January 4, affecting 45 individuals. This marks a more than 50 per cent increase compared to the 2 to 4 cases per week observed in December. As the influenza season progresses, a continued rise in ILI outbreaks is expected, particularly within schools. In response, the CHP has issued advisories to educational institutions, urging them to implement additional preventive measures, and will also communicate with doctors, hospitals, and other facilities to enhance vigilance and collaborative efforts against influenza.
“Historical data suggests that virus activity will escalate for some time following the start of the influenza season before peaking. We strongly encourage those yet to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), especially the elderly and children who are at greater risk of complications, to do so promptly to reduce the likelihood of serious health issues,” Dr Tsui emphasised.
The Government has consistently promoted early vaccination and provides free and subsidised SIV through various initiatives. As of January 5, approximately 1,832,000 doses have been administered, reflecting a 5.4 per cent increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Significantly more schools are participating in the SIV School Outreach Programme this year, particularly among secondary schools. However, 168 schools have declined to host outreach activities, while 13 schools that agreed to participate have yet to confirm vaccination dates, a list of which is available on the CHP’s website.
Dr Tsui urged parents from these schools to ensure their children receive the SIV as soon as possible. Research indicates that influenza vaccinations in children can significantly reduce severe complications and decrease school absenteeism. He strongly encourages schools that have not scheduled vaccination dates to arrange these activities within the next two weeks to protect children’s health and minimise learning disruptions.
Furthermore, the SIV coverage rate for children aged 6 months to under 2 years remains low at approximately 17.4 per cent as of 5th January. Although this is a slight improvement from last year, it remains lower than other age groups. To improve vaccination rates, the Government has made Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) accessible for all children in this age range, allowing parents to book appointments through an online system.
Dr Tsui also reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks in public spaces and encouraged the general public to consider wearing masks on public transport or in crowded areas. Anyone exhibiting respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly, considering their attendance at work or school. For further updates, the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
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