Covid boosters should be easier to get through family doctors, the Hong Kong Doctors Union says. University of Hong Kong infectious-disease specialist Ivan Hung cited figures showing that doses given to people aged 50 or above over 12 months equalled about 1.27% of that age group’s estimated population.
Hung said 46,119 doses went to people aged 50 or above during that period, out of 47,828 doses administered across Hong Kong. The calculation compares the number of doses with an estimated population of about 3.62 million people aged 50 or above.
The union’s questionnaire gathered 300 valid responses. Some 79% of doctors surveyed considered older adults’ vaccination rates unsatisfactory. Nearly 40% said they did not proactively remind patients about Covid vaccination; nearly 60% of those doctors cited having no vaccine in stock.
The union also said services were unevenly distributed, with vaccination points concentrated mainly in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Less-mobile older people in areas with fewer services may have to travel across districts, adding time and transport costs. It counted 58 public vaccination points and 18 designated private clinics.
The union wants Covid vaccines routinely included in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, with more participating private clinics offering them and keeping stock. It proposed that eligible older people and people with chronic illnesses be able to get a booster during a routine appointment or alongside a flu jab. Hung also called for walk-in access at general practices without online registration.
Centre for Health Protection data cited by HK01 recorded 45 severe cases involving adults in the four weeks from 14 June to 11 July, including seven deaths.
The Centre for Health Protection later said more than 90% of people had received initial Covid vaccine doses and that its 75 vaccination points were sufficient for current demand. It advised people in priority groups to get a seasonal flu vaccine and Covid booster together.