#16,293
A week ago, in Hong Kong Tightens Hospital COVID Discharge Criteria & Orders 14-Day Post Discharge Isolation Period, we looked at some of HK's new, more stringent COVID regulations enacted with the stated hopes of giving Chinese authorities confidence to allow Hong Kong residents to travel to the Mainland without being subject to a 14-day quarantine plus seven days of health monitoring.
A week ago, two scientific committees working for the CHP also recommended the COVID booster shot be offered to the immunocompromised, and certain other vulnerable groups (see Vaccine booster shot recommended).
Today Hong Kong's government announced that COVID booster shots will be made available for the immunocompromised, healthcare workers, those over the age of 60, and those involved in cross-border transportation and security, starting next week.
Third dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements for persons under certain groups
The Government announced today (November 3) that taking reference from experts' recommendations, eligible persons under certain groups, i.e. immunocompromised patients and persons with a higher risk of infection, can receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine free of charge starting from November 11 (Thursday). Booking for third dose vaccination for these persons will open on November 5.
Individuals who are classified as priority groups for receiving a third dose include:
Certain groups of immunocompromised patients (e.g. cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, advanced-stage HIV patients and patients taking active immunosuppressive drugs). The third dose should be administered at least four weeks from the second dose.
Those who have received two doses of Sinovac vaccine and with a higher risk of infection, including elderly aged 60 or above; healthcare workers; persons with chronic illnesses; and workers at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational setting (e.g. personnel participating in anti-epidemic related work; personnel providing cross-boundary transportation or working at control points and ports). The third dose should be administered at least six months from the second dose.
For the above two groups, experts recommend that a third dose of Fosun/BioNTech vaccine may elicit a better immune response. That said, personal preference is respected and members of the public may choose the type of vaccine according to their own circumstances. It is suggested that they consult their physician if necessary.
For individuals aged 18 or above in the aforementioned higher risk populations who have received two doses of Fosun/BioNTech vaccine, an additional dose of Fosun/BioNTech vaccine administered at least six months from the second dose is recommended. These persons may, however, choose Sinovac vaccine as the third dose.
Currently, individuals who are fully recovered from COVID-19 are only required to receive one dose of vaccine. Recovered patients should discuss with their physician whether two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are required, and an interval of six months between the two doses is recommended.
With the Beijing Winter Olympics just three months away, the ability to travel freely between Hong Kong and the Mainland would be vital for those who might wish to attend. It would also facilitate cross border commerce, tourism, and trade.
And from the Mainland's view, fewer cross border restrictions would allow them to maintain tighter control on the Hong Kong Special Administrative District.
So it seems likely that Hong Kong will continue to align their COVID policies to mirror those on the mainland.
