Hong Kong health officials have doubled down on their request for young children to get vaccinated against influenza after a severe case in a 19-month-old boy has been reported. The child, who had not received the seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV), is in critical condition due to influenza A-related complications. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is therefore urging parents to ensure that their children get inoculated to reduce the risks of grave illness, hospitalisation, and potential fatalities. Additionally, vaccination rates among young children are low, raising concerns about their vulnerability to the virus.
Unvaccinated Child Battles Severe Flu
The young patient, who had no pre-existing health conditions, began showing flu symptoms — including fever and cough — on January 30. After the toddler’s condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Hong Kong Baptist Hospital before being transferred to nearby Kwong Wah Hospital, where he remains in intensive care. He tested positive for an influenza A (H1) infection, which led to severe pneumonia.
The CHP has since urged parents to act immediately, emphasising that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent flu complications. This case is not isolated — since the start of the influenza season in early January, Hong Kong has logged nine severe paediatric cases, seven of which involved unvaccinated children.
Government Expands Flu Shot Access
Despite clear evidence supporting the effectiveness of getting immunised against the flu, vaccination numbers among young children in Hong Kong remain low. As of January 26 this year, only 20.9% of children aged six months to under two years had received their shots. Although this is slightly better than last year, the rate still lags behind that of older children.
In an attempt to raise vaccination rates, the government has expanded services at Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) to allow all children under two to receive the shot at specific locations through an online booking system. Health officials are also reminding Hong Kong residents to wear masks, clean their hands frequently, and keep their homes and indoor work spaces well ventilated, especially since flu season is expected to peak this month.
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