Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that poses a significant health risk, particularly during Hong Kong’s flu season. Despite its potential dangers, survey data reveals a concerning trend: among 2,452 respondents, only 29.1% -have received the influenza vaccine. Most of those vaccinated are either children or elderly individuals. At the same time, many middle-aged and young adults underestimate the severity of the flu or mistakenly believe their natural immunity is enough to protect them.-Flu cases in Hong Kong can be severe. As of May 8, 2024, there have been 676 severe influenza cases and 409 fatalities -since the start of the 2023-24 winter flu season. Low vaccination rates can result in higher transmission rates, putting more pressure on healthcare systems and increasing the risk of severe outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.-Why Do You Need a Flu Shot?-Influenza viruses, particularly Influenza Aand Influenza B, are prevalent in Hong Kong during flu season. These viruses can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In some cases, complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic medical conditions can occur.-Vaccination is a crucial defense against these viruses. It helps protect you by significantly reducing the risk of getting the flu. Even if you contract the virus, the vaccine can help ensure your symptoms are milder and less likely to lead to severe complications. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection by 60%, which is vital in protecting yourself from potential hospitalizations and severe health issues.-Beyond personal protection, getting vaccinated also helps protect your family and the community. Vaccination contributes to herd immunity, which safeguards those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, such as severe allergies or weakened immune systems.-Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?-Vulnerable Populations: Adults Over 65 and Young ChildrenOlder adults (over 65) and young children are particularly susceptible to severe flu complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, dehydration, or acute respiratory distress. In older adults, the flu can also worsen chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, leading to life-threatening situations. The flu can rapidly progress to severe respiratory infections for young children with developing immune systems.-Young and Middle-Aged AdultsEven with a robust immune system, young and middle-aged adults are not immune to the dangers of the flu. The flu can cause severe symptoms, such as high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, disrupting daily life and leading to complications like secondary bacterial infections, including pneumonia and sinusitis. Furthermore, healthy adults can be carriers of the virus, unknowingly spreading it to more vulnerable individuals, such as older adults, young children, or those with weakened immune systems. By getting vaccinated, young and middle-aged adults protect themselves from potentially serious illnesses and help break the chain of transmission, playing a vital role in community health.-Patients with Asthma or Respiratory IllnessesIndividuals with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions face higher risks during flu season. A mild flu infection can trigger severe asthma attacks, causing significant airway inflammation and breathing difficulties. For those with chronic bronchitis, the flu can worsen symptoms like persistent coughing and mucus production, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections.-The flu can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, which poses a significant threat to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In severe cases, influenza can escalate to acute respiratory distress or respiratory failure, requiring hospitalization or intensive care. These potential complications highlight the severe risks the flu presents to those with underlying respiratory issues.-What to Avoid After the Flu Shot-After receiving a flu shot, most people can resume normal activities without issues. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or mild aches.-If You Have Prolonged Side EffectsYou should contact a healthcare provider if you experience prolonged side effects, such as high fever or severe headache. You should watch for symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cough, which may warrant medical attention. Some may have concerns about using over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil to manage minor post-influenza vaccine symptoms. Consult a doctor to clarify any misconceptions about pain relief after vaccination.-Where Can You Get a Flu Vaccine in Hong Kong, and How Much Does It Cost?Flu vaccines can be administered in both public and private healthcare institutions. Some private practitioners are affiliated with the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), which allows eligible people to receive subsidies for their influenza vaccines.-Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS)The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) subsidises HK$ 260 per dose for eligible individuals. These include pregnant women, the elderly 65 years or older this year, and others.-Protect You and Your Family with Blue Care-At Blue Care, we offer Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccination programs for ages starting from 6 months and older. Our expert medical team can administer vaccinations for you and your family at our convenient locations in Central or Kwun Tong. Preferential rates are provided to those who subscribe to the medical check-up plan together with the preventive vaccines at Blue Care Medical Centre.-The Influenza Vaccine: Your Pathway to ProtectionGetting vaccinated against influenza is more than just a personal health decision—it's a vital step in protecting the wider community. With low vaccination rates in Hong Kong and significant risks posed by the flu, particularly to vulnerable groups, it is crucial for everyone, including healthy adults, to recognise the benefits of the flu vaccine. By choosing to get vaccinated, you reduce your risk of severe illness, safeguard those around you, and help alleviate the strain on healthcare systems. This flu season, take action to protect yourself and others—consider getting your flu shot today.

The Vaccination Subsidy Scheme 2024/25 has started. Eligible persons can present relevant supporting document to receive influenza vaccination subsidy at Blue Care Medical Centre without extra charge._The eligible groups are Hong Kong residents who are:– Aged 50 years or above– Children between 6 months tounder 18 years or attending secondary schools in Hong Kong– Pregnancy women– Persons receiving disability allowance– Persons with Intellectual Disability– Persons who are recipients of standard rate of “100% disabled” or “requiring constant attendance” under Comprehensive Social Security Assistance__Please contact Blue Care Medical Centre for vaccination appointment. For more details, please click:FAQs on Flu Vaccine (Source: Hong Kong Department of Health)Possible Side Effects of Influenza Vaccine

The latest quadrivalent influenza vaccination service is now available in Blue Care.-Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It can be caused by various types of influenza viruses. In Hong Kong, the two subtypes of influenza A virus, H1N1 and H3N2, and influenza B virus, are most commonly seen. Influenza occurs in Hong Kong throughout the year, but is usually more common in periods from January to March/April and from July to August.-Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection, it is advised to get vaccinated at least two weeks before the arrival of winter influenza season to protect family and friends.-Price:HK$350 per doseSupplier:GSKSuitable for:Aged of 6 months or above-2024/25 Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (Northern hemisphere) contains:A/Victoria/4897/2022(H1N1)pdm09-like virusA/Thailand/8/2022 (H3N2)-like virusB/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virusB/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus-No. of dose for injection AgeNo. of dose9 years old or above1 dose6 months to 8 years old(with previous flu vaccine)1 dose6 months to 8 years old(who have never receviedthe vaccination before)2 dosesRecommend to have 2 vaccines at least 4 weeks apart-NotesOffer is valid while stock lastsAdditional fee of HK$100 is charged if prior doctor consultation is required

Blue Care Medical Centre provides the latest 15 - Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV15) vaccination service. Blue Care has joined Government Vaccination Schemes. The Enquiries and appointment is available now._According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), Pneumonia ranks as the second leading cause of death in Hong Kong. Its mainly caused by serotype 3. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a wide range of diseases, more common ones include middle ear infection (acute otitis media) and chest infection (pneumonia)._Price:HK$1,650 per doseSupplier:MSDSuitable for:The age of 6 weeks or above_Notes:1. Prior doctor assessment before the first vaccination is included.2. Full payment of all doses must be made in the first vaccination. 3. Any fees paid will not be transferable and will not be refundable.4. Offer is valid while stock lasts.

With effect from 1 January 2024, those eligible Hong Kong residents born in the years 1948 to 1974 can be joined Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and subsidized for screening tests to prevent colorectal cancer.-Participant can receive the sponsored screening from our enrolled primary care doctors at Blue Care Medical Centre.-Please visit Colorectal Cancer Screening Programmefor more details.

In response to the emergency response level of COVID-19 infection, Blue Care Medical Centre (“Medical Centre”) has adopted below infection control measures: All patients and visitors should receive body temperature check & health screening upon arrival at Blue Care Medical Centre Wear own mask inside all clinical areas & clean hands with alcohol rub In accordance with the monitory policy of the Centre for Health Protection (“CHP”), suspected case of COVID-19 should be reported to CPH. These patients will be transferred to a public hospital for further management.

HPV vaccines used in Blue Care Medical Centre are genuine Gardasil 9 with registration in Hong Kong and supplied from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).-Blue Care strictly adopts the guideline of Department of Health, Hong Kong in its vaccine storage and inventory management so as to ensure the quality of the vaccines.-Blue Care customers can be rest assured of the quality of our prescribed vaccines.

HKGovernmenthas advocated the concept of "one person one family doctor" with the aim of promoting primary care to an individual and family in our community.-A family doctoris trained to provide holistic care to patients so as to ensure physical, social and psychological well-being for their patients. -Please click here to read more details. (Chinese version only)-Source: Headline Daily Article on 19 May 2017