Hong Kong’s seasonal influenza activity remains high as schools reopen, with Centre for Health Protection director Albert Au warning that increased student gatherings and group activities could allow the virus to spread more widely. The warning came as the city remained in an active flu period on September 1.
Influenza entered a seasonal high-activity period in June and reached, or slightly passed, a peak in August. Au said it was currently difficult to estimate how long the peak would continue, leaving the impact of the return to school uncertain.
Authorities have brought forward the full rollout of the 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination programme to September 17.
About 70 per cent of the influenza viruses currently circulating in Hong Kong are reported to be influenza A(H1), with the remainder being A(H3). Au said the current seasonal flu vaccine was very effective against these strains, although no specific efficacy rate was provided.
About 99 per cent of schools are reported to be taking part in the school-based vaccination programme. As of September 1, authorities had received 16,000 electronic consent forms and expected the full outreach vaccination exercise to be completed by mid-December.
The Centre for Health Protection has urged residents, parents and high-risk groups not to lower their guard while flu activity remains high. The actual effect of school reopening on transmission, and the length of the current peak, remain uncertain.