Hong Kong Faces Flu Vaccine Shortage Concerns... "Vaccination Demand Over Three Times Last Year"

Expansion of Private Hospital Demand Amid Authorities' Distrust in Low-Cost Vaccines
Concerns Over Overlap with COVID-19..."Fears of Rapid Increase in Vaccination Costs Grow"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] As the 'twindemic' situation, where the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the flu season overlap, begins, Hong Kong media report that concerns over a shortage of flu vaccines are spreading in Hong Kong. Vaccine demand in Hong Kong has increased more than threefold compared to last year, and distrust in the vaccines distributed by authorities is growing. As a result, vaccinations are flocking to private hospitals, and vaccine prices are expected to surge.

According to local media such as Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK on the 19th, the Hong Kong Medical Association stated that about 200 private hospital doctors have already reported a shortage of flu vaccines and are demanding that authorities take countermeasures. The Hong Kong Department of Health has secured 878,000 doses of flu vaccines this year and will begin free vaccinations for high-risk groups, including seniors aged 65 and over and children, starting from the 22nd.

Doctors at private hospitals in Hong Kong argue that the government should also pay attention to vaccine supply for those who do not qualify for free vaccination benefits. The Medical Association revealed that the number of people wishing to receive flu vaccinations this year is three times that of last year, and private hospitals are already short by about 30,000 doses.

With warnings of simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and the flu this winter, even those who did not receive flu vaccines in the past are visiting hospitals. Additionally, people who would normally have been vaccinated at public hospitals at a low cost are now seeking private hospitals due to concerns about the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Experts predict that although the amount of flu vaccines secured by the government this year is the largest in the past four years, it will not meet demand. Private hospital doctors expressed concerns that if the vaccine shortage is not resolved, the cost of flu vaccination could reach 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 150,000 KRW). Meanwhile, 15 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Hong Kong on the same day. The cumulative number of cases is 5,241, with 105 deaths.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.