DH urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccinations amid rising influenza activity
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said today (February 26) that, although local influenza activity has been in a continuous downward trend since mid-January, there has been a rebound over the past week, particularly for influenza B. The CHP urged members of the public who have not yet received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), except those with known contraindications, to promptly receive the SIV to safeguard their health and reduce the risk of serious complications or death from infection.
"The CHP's latest surveillance data shows that the percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses last week (February 15 to 21) was 2.29 per cent, up from 1.96 per cent recorded in the previous week (February 8 to 14). During the same period, the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.13 cases per 10 000 population, which is higher than the 0.10 cases per 10 000 population recorded in the previous week. The proportion of influenza B among positive respiratory specimens has gradually increased from around 6 per cent in late January to over 21 per cent last week. Meanwhile, the proportion of influenza A (H3) virus strains has decreased from 91 to 71 per cent. Outside Hong Kong, seasonal influenza activity remains high in Japan and Korea, with the predominant circulating viruses having shifted from influenza A (H3) to influenza B. Japan is experiencing another winter peak driven by influenza B. Influenza B proportions have also increased in many parts of the world recently, including the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and North America," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
"Based on past experience, Hong Kong's winter influenza season typically occurs in the first quarter. Given the persistently cold weather, combined with factors such as individuals returning from outbound travel after the long holidays and the shift in circulating virus strains, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity will continue to increase and Hong Kong may enter the winter influenza season. The CHP will continue to closely monitor the situation. Scientific research indicates that this season's SIV provides protection against influenza A and influenza B viruses. As it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body for sufficient protection against the influenza virus, I appeal again to all individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications, to receive the SIV if they have not yet done so. This is particularly important for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses or immunosuppression. Furthermore, individuals who contracted influenza during the summer influenza season late last year but have not yet received the SIV should also get vaccinated promptly to guard against other circulating virus strains that may emerge during the upcoming winter influenza season. Apart from receiving the vaccination through the DH's SIV Programmes, members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange vaccinations," said Dr Tsui.
"So far this year, five severe paediatric influenza cases have been recorded, involving children aged between 6 months and 15 years old. Three of the affected children had not received an SIV. I would like to remind parents and caregivers that influenza in children may deteriorate rapidly. If a sick child shows any sign of deteriorating condition, for example the emergence of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions, the child must be taken to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately," he added.
For other respiratory pathogens, the latest surveillance data shows increased activity of rhinovirus/enterovirus and parainfluenza viruses. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for parainfluenza virus have risen compared to January. To prevent respiratory infections, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. Furthermore, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should avoid crowded places andrefrain from work or attending classes at school.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and Vaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.
