[Designated Centres] 2023-24 Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine (RNVACFLU4)
*Estimated arrival date: Early Sept. Human Health will contact customer for appointment in Sept. Customers can also call hotline at 3970 8888 for booking. (Operation hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00a.m.– 7:00p.m.)
*Administrated by Registered Nurse
*Limited till stock lasts
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.
Manufacturer:
GSK/ Sanofi/ Abbott
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• 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 apart
- Individuals 6 months - 8 years old (Vaccinated before):Single-dose
- Individuals ≥9 years old: Single-dose
Not applicable to:
-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.
Tsim Sha Tsui-Impact Health Management Centre (Tsim Sha Tsui Healthy Square) [Appointment date start from 8 May 2023, administrated by Registered Nurse]
Shop 102B, 1/F, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Mongkok- Impact Medical Imaging Centre
Room 712, 7/F, Office Tower One, Grand Plaza, 625 & 639 Nathan Road, Kowloon
Jordan- Human Health Integrated Medical Centre
Shop 2-3, G/F, Lucky Building, 59 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
If you purchase vaccine service, please pay attention to the following vaccination guidelines:
-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.