Pneumococcal Vaccination
2024-09-19
Pneumococcal infection represents a wide range of diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (or more commonly referred as pneumococcus). While pneumococcus is a common cause of mild illnesses such as sinus or middle ear infections, it may also cause severe or even life-threatening invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) such as bacteremic pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The outcomes for IPD are usually more severe among young children and elderly persons. Pneumococcal vaccination is one of the most effective means of preventing IPD.
Vaccination Arrangement of Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme
The Government's Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme will continue throughout the year, providing free or subsidised pneumococcal vaccination for eligible elderly aged 65 years or above. Persons without high risk conditions3 are eligible to receive one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (23vPPV). Persons with high risk conditions3 are eligible to receive one dose of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15), followed by one dose of 23vPPV one year after.
Eligible Groups:
|
Eligible Hong Kong Residents
|
Service Providers |
Government Subsidy / Free |
|
|
Persons aged 65 years or above |
All |
Government Subsidy |
|
|
Public clinics2 |
Free |
|
1 Applicable for doctors enrolled under Vaccination Subsidy Scheme(VSS). The doctor may impose extra fees, some doctors may not charge extra fees.
If your doctor is not enrolled under VSS, please select an enrolled doctor from the following website: https://apps.hcv.gov.hk/public/en/SPS/Search
2 Some clinics provide pneumococcal vaccination for existing patients/ clients/ members of the designated public clinics only.
3 High-risk conditions include:
- History of invasive pneumococcal disease, cerebrospinal fluid leakage or cochlear implant;Chronic cardiovascular (except hypertension without complication), lung, liver or kidney diseases;
- Metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus or obesity (Body Mass Index 30 or above);
- Immunocompromised states related to weakened immune system due to conditions such as asplenia, HIV/AIDS or cancer/steroid treatment; or
- Chronic neurological conditions that can compromise respiratory functions, the handling of respiratory secretions, increase the risk for aspiration or those who lack the ability to take care of themselves.
Remarks:
- Starting from 5 August 2024, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been replaced by PCV15 under the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) following the latest recommendation from the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases. Subsidised PCV13 will continue to be provided to elderly aged 65 or above with high risk conditions under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS). However, VSS doctors are recommended to follow SCVPD's recommendation and replace PCV13 with PCV15 as far as practicable.
- If you are not in the above-mentioned eligible groups to receive free or subsidised vaccination, you may consult your family doctor and consider vaccination at your own expense for personal protection.
- HA clinics/ hospitals or DH clinics may offer free pneumococcal vaccination to clinically indicated existing patients outside the above eligibility groups based on doctor’s clinical decision.
Document(s) to be presented for vaccination:
- Hong Kong Identity Card@ or Certificate of Exemption; and
- The immunisation records (vaccination cards) (if any).
@Except for those who obtained a Hong Kong Identity Card by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to him/ her and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid.
Enquiry
Programme Management and Vaccination Division
Tel: 2125 2125
Fax: 2713 9576
E-mail: vacs@dh.gov.hk
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30 hours. No service on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday.