2023-24 Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine (VACFLU4)
*Estimated arrival date: Early Sept. Human Health will contact customer for appointment in Sept.
What is influenza?
Influenza is a highly infectious viral disease. It is caused by various types of influenza viral strains. Three types of influenza viruses are recognized: A, B and C. Type A is more common. In Hong Kong, the two subtypes of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) are most commonly seen. Emergence of new subtypes occurs from time to time at irregular intervals. They are responsible for widespread outbreaks and necessitate periodic reformulation of influenza vaccine. In Hong Kong, the disease is more prevalent in January-March and July-August.
Mode of transmission & Clinical features
Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract. Airborne spread predominates among crowded populations in enclosed spaces. The infection may also be spread from person to person by direct contact with infected secretions. Characterized by fever, headache, muscle ache, runny nose, cough, sore throat and general tiredness, it is generally a mild illness with recovery in two to seven days. However, it can be a serious illness to the weak and frail, such as elderly persons, and may be complicated by bronchitis, pneumonia, and even death in the most serious cases.
Why the influenza vaccine is important?
Influenza vaccination is important because it is one of the effective means in preventing influenza and reduces its complications. To prepare for the coming peak season, public should take precautionary measures to safeguard their own health especially for those at higher risk (e.g. persons with chronic illness, elderly person, children aged 6 to 23 months, health care workers, etc) should consider taking vaccination.
When to get vaccinated? Does the vaccine work right away?
As the usual peak influenza season in Hong Kong is between January and March, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases recommends that the influenza vaccination to be given before the coming of next peak influenza season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection.
GSK/ Sanofi/ Abbott
• an A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
• an A/Darwin/6/2021 (H3N2)-like virus;
• a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus; and
• a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.
Individuals aged 6 months or above
Individuals 6 months - 8 years old: 2 doses and recommended to have 2 vaccines at least 4 weeks apartIndividuals 6 months - 8 years old (Vaccinated before)：Single-dose
Individuals ≥9 years old: Single-dose
-Known history of severe allergy to any component of the vaccine, neomycin, formaldehyde, gentamycin sulphate and sodium deoxycholate
-Serious allergic reaction to chicken eggs
-Blood disorder e.g. thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorder
-People who have ever developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
-People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever
-Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less than 6 months of age
Adverse Reactions:
-Some may experience within 1-2 days mild local reaction – soreness, redness, swelling and hardening at the injection site, or constitutional symptoms (low grade fever, headache, sweating, joint pain, bowel discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain; muscle pain and fatigue). Most reactions/symptoms will subside within 1-2 days without intervention.
-Serious adverse reaction is rare. If serious allergic reactions including urticaria, dizziness, swelling of the lips / tongue or difficult breathing occur, please consult the doctor immediately.
Tai Wai- Human Health Integrated Medical Centre (Tai Wai MTR Station)
Shop TAW 3, MTR Tai Wai Station, New Territories
Kowloon Bay- Human Health Integrated Medical Centre (Telford Plaza)
Shop Unit P39B, Telford Plaza, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon
Tiu Keng Leng - Human Health Medical Centre (Tiu Keng Leng MTR Station)
Shop 9-10, MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station, New Territories
Lai Chi Kok- Human Health Medical Centre
Shop 105B, 1/F, Liberté Shopping Centre, 833 Lai Chi Kok Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon
Tin Shui Wai- Human Health Medical Centre
Shop NG18, G/F, T Town North, Tin Yuet Estate, 33 & 39 Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai, NT
Quarry Bay-Human Health Medical Centre (Bo Fung Gardens)
Shop 2C, G/F, Bo Fung Gardens, 1090 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Kowloon Station- Human Health Integrated Medical Centre
Concession KOW85, L2, MTR Kowloon Station, Kowloon
Sai Wan Ho-Perfect Life Medical Centre
G/F, 126 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, HK
Yau Tong-Human Health Medical Centre
Shop 209A, Lei Yue Mun Plaza, Yau Tong, Kowloon
Tsing Yi Station-Human Health Integrated Medical Centre
Shop No. 44 and 45, G/F, MTR Tsing Yi station, New Territories (MTR Tsing Yi Station Exit C)
Yuen Long-Human Health Medical Centre
Shop 4, G/F, Kan Yip Building, Nos. 229 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, NT
Kwai Fong Station-Human Health Medical Centre
Shop 17, MTR Kwai Fong Station, New Territories (MTR Kwai Fong Station Exit D, To Kwai Fong Plaza)
Sheung Shui-Human Health Integrated Medical Centre
Shop no. 25, Level 1, Lung Fung Garden, 33 Lung Sum Avenue, Sheung Shui, New Territories
Sai Kung-Human Health Medical Centre (Maritime Bay)
Shop 6, G/F, Maritime Bay, 18 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, N.T.
Tuen Mun-Human Health Medical Centre (Lung Mun Oasis)
Shop 2, Lung Mun Oasis, 43 Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
Hung Hom-Human Health Medical Centre
Shop 30B, G/F, Tak Man Street, Whampoa Estate, Hung Hom, Kowloon
Kwun Tong-Human Health Medical Centre (Kwun Tong Po Tat)
Shop 119, Po Tat Shopping Centre, Po Tat Estate, Sau Mau Ping, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
Tai Po-Human Health Medical Centre (Tai Po Plaza)
Shop 34A, Level 1, Tai Po Plaza, 1 On Tai Road, Tai Po, New Territories
-Human Health will contact the customer upon vaccine arrival. Customers can also call hotline at 3970 8888 for booking. (Operation hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00a.m.– 7:00p.m.)
-Customer is not recommended for the injection if he/she is allergic to any component of the vaccine.
-If customer has a fever or are taking antibiotics on the day of injection, it is recommended to delay the injection.
-This service is not applicable for Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS). Eligible persons of VSS can receive Flu vaccine free of charge at Human Health Medical Centres directly.
-If customer is pregnant or breastfeeding, have a weakened immune system, and are receiving medications (such as chemotherapy, steroids, etc.), he/she should consult doctor first and accept injections under guidance.
-People who are taking drugs but not sure whether it is appropriate to accept the vaccine, it is recommended to consult the doctor or bring the relevant drugs to the health professionals for examination on the day of injection before deciding whether it is suitable for injection.
-In case of disputes, the decision of Human Health shall be final.