DH Clarifies COVID-19 Vaccination Arrangements

DH clarifies COVID-19 vaccination arrangements

In response to comments from a medical organisation about a lack of stock of COVID-19 vaccines and concerns about low COVID-19 vaccination rates, as well as related media enquiries, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 11) issued the following clarification:

The Department of Health. Photo source: reference image

Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases(Joint Scientific Committee) under the CHP, the CHP has continuously encouraged the public to receive the vaccine at appropriate times to minimise the risk of severe disease and death after being infected by COVID-19. Thanks to the government's and relevant sectors' continuous efforts to promote vaccination, the uptake rate of the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Hong Kong exceeds 90 per cent, which is considered high internationally.

Regarding COVID-19 booster vaccination, the Joint Scientific Committee recommended them only for high-risk priority groups. Besides, one must receive a vaccine booster at least 180 days after their last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). Therefore, the vaccination rate is expected to be relatively low. Due to reinfection or vaccination, many people infected with COVID-19 experience milder symptoms and chose not to seek medical care. The Government faces limitations in collecting and reviewing the latest infection figures. As a result, the actual vaccination rates for high-risk priority groups cannot be accurately determined.

Vaccination. Photo source: reference image

The CHP previously announced that the shelf life of the LP.8.1 vaccine for children and adults would expire in mid-July and early September of this year respectively, and that the production and shipment of COVID-19 vaccines containing new ingredients would take time. Starting October 29, the CHP has been providing the Spikevax XFG mRNA vaccine to childrenaged 6 months to 11 years. The first shipment of the new batch of Spikevax XFG vaccine for individuals aged 12 or above is expected to arrive in Hong Kong next month (December). By then, market supply will resume and private doctors will be able to order from pharmaceutical companies as usual. During this transitional period while awaiting vaccine production and delivery, the absence of COVID-19 vaccinations for adults is normal and temporary.

Regarding COVID-19 vaccination venues, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently in use require complex cold-chain handling and have a limited shelf life after thawing. To provide convenience to the public, minimise vaccine wastage and ensure vaccine efficacy, the Government has set up a total of 75 COVID-19 vaccination venues across Hong Kong, including Specialist Out-patient Clinics (SOPCs) and Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) in public hospitals, private clinics, Maternal and Child Health Centres, etc. Given that patients co-infected with seasonal influenza and COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe complications and death, the CHP all along recommends that priority groups receive both seasonal influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination booster to reduce the risk of serious illness and death.Eligible persons can receive both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at all current COVID-19 vaccination venues, including SOPCs and FMCs of the concerned public hospitals, as well as private clinics. Therefore, the CHP considers that there is currently no need to further expand the number of COVID-19 vaccination venues.

Vaccination. Photo source: reference image

According to a survey conducted by the medical organisation concerned, nearly 40 per cent of the doctors surveyed do not proactively remind patients to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The CHP expressed concern about this and urged healthcare professionals to proactively remind patients of the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccination in a timely manner. Even if their clinics do not provide vaccination services, healthcare professionals can still provide patients with information about the Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to help safeguard public health.

The CHP will continue to strengthen publicity and education efforts through various online and offline channels to encourage priority groups to receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible once the COVID-19 vaccines for persons aged 12 or above is available.

For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, please visit the CHP's website.

The Centre for Health Protection. Photo source: reference image

LCSD's Cantonese Opera Day 2026 to be held November 29 with online registration for free workshops and talks to start next Monday

The Cantonese Opera Day 2026, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held on the afternoon of November 29 (Sunday) across the indoor and outdoor venues of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Under the theme "Cantonese Opera Fun and Legacy for the Future", the event offers members of the public and tourists an array of spectacular performances, experiential activities, talks and an exhibition, showcasing the multifaceted charm of Cantonese opera as a world-class intangible cultural heritage. Admission is free. Online registration for certain activities will open next Monday (November 16) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fabulous performances will be available on stage at this year's Cantonese Opera Day. Child actors and rising talents from various local Cantonese opera troupes will perform classic opera excerpts on stage. The child performers will also walk the catwalk onto the stage, highlighting the features of their costumes and makeup. Renowned artists will take to the stage to lead interactive sing-alongs with the audience.

Winners of the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Cantonese Opera Competition and young Cantonese opera students will perform their signature repertoire and share their artistic journeys. Meanwhile, Chinese music elites from the Music Office will play a selection of familiar Cantonese tunes and Chinese music pieces, showcasing the brilliance of traditional melodies.

A variety of on-site workshops will be held for participants to learn basic Cantonese opera movements and stage prop techniques, such as the use of horsewhips andtasselled spears. This year's event introduces two new highlights: the "Families' Workshop on Cantonese Opera" for parents and children, with a chance to showcase their learning on stage; and the "Interactive Cantonese Opera Music Workshop - Wind, Plucked, Bowed, and Percussion" led by the School of Chinese Opera at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, followed by a hands-on instrument try-out session. Locals and visitors can also craft Cantonese opera-themed products at carnival booths, and take memorable photographs at a photo corner with traditional costumes and props.

Furthermore, the highly anticipated cross-generational star autograph sessions will feature renowned artists including Cheng Wing-mui, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Wing-yee, Lai Yiu-wai, Vong Seng-pan, Wang Zhiliang, Leung Sum-yee and Yue Ling-lung, offering opera fans a rare opportunity to meet their idols up close for signatures and photographs.

The Cantonese Opera Day has invited a seasoned Cantonese opera co-ordinator to conduct sessions in both Cantonese and English to explain the makeup and costume characteristics of various operatic roles. Theatre practitioners will share backstage insights and fascinating experiences from the world of Cantonese opera. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum will present the "Cantonese Opera Collection Highlights", showcasing precious Cantonese opera collections from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, such as postbills, libretti, and programme booklets, to help visitors understand the development of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong.

Guided tours in Cantonese, English and Putonghua will be available on the day to lead visitors through the various performances and activities. Furthermore, attendees can redeem a limited-edition souvenir by collecting stamps at designated locations around the venue, while stocks last.

For the venues and times of the performances and activities for the Cantonese Opera Day 2026, please see the Annex. Online registration is required for certain activities, including workshops and talks. Registration will open at 10am on November 16 (Monday) (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html#tab_10_0). Each person may register for up to two activities, with a maximum of two spaces per activity. Admission to all programmes is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details of the activities, online registration arrangements and information on other supporting events, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html or call 2268 7325.

The Cantonese Opera Day 2026 is one of the programmes of the "Pass It On! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta!" series and the 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.

The Cantonese Opera Day 2026. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases