Arya News - Influenza activity is still high from a summer spike. Officials note unvaccinated children face roughly five times the rate of severe complications or death, with 11 severe pediatric cases recorded this season.
HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s health authorities urged parents to get their children vaccinated against influenza as the new school year is set to open on Tuesday amid the summer flu season.
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health urged members of public to get their shots as soon as possible 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes begin on September 17.
“Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June and influenza activity continued to rise from July through mid-August. According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity remains high,” said Controller of the CHP Edwin Tsui Lok-kin.
“We anticipate that influenza activity will remain at a high level during the initial period of the new school year, with possible influenza outbreaks in schools.”
He said the severe flu cases recorded this summer primarily affect the elderly and children, with a total of 11 severe pediatric cases reported.
Among these patients, six have recovered, one is in stable condition, one is in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away, Tsui said, adding that the flu viruses currently circulating in Hong Kong are mainly influenza A (H1), followed by influenza A (H3).
“The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has conducted viral genetic analyses of influenza cases and confirmed that the predominant influenza virus strains are similar to those circulating in other regions of the world, with no evidence of causing a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs so far,” he said.
Tsui also noted that an in-depth analysis of the relationship between influenza-related serious cases and vaccination during the flu season from September to December last year showed that the rate of severe complications or death was about five times higher among unvaccinated children than among vaccinated children.
The rate of severe complications among residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for the elderly who did not get their flu shots was approximately four times higher than among vaccinated residents, he said.
“SIV is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to prevent serious cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. It can also reduce the risk of hospitalization and death after infection,” he added.