Hong Kong receives first batch of Covid XBB variant vaccines, prioritises the elderly
- Vaccination arrangements for the 100,000-jab batch manufactured by US drug firm Pfizer expected to be announced in December
- ‘Care home residents and the elderly aged 65 or above will be accorded priority to receive the first batch of XBB mRNA vaccines,’ Department of Health says
Health authorities on Thursday said Hong Kong had received its first batch of Covid-19 vaccines targeting the XBB variant, adding that high-risk groups, including the elderly, would be prioritised.
The shipment consists of about 100,000 new-generation XBB vaccine doses manufactured by US drug firm Pfizer.
“In view of the limited local supply of the XBB vaccine, the government will arrange the vaccination of high-risk individuals in batches,” the Department of Health said.
“Care home residents and the elderly aged 65 or above will be accorded priority to receive the first batch of XBB mRNA vaccines.”
The details of the vaccination arrangements are expected to be announced in early December.
Authorities said they had carried out stringent checking and inspection to ensure the vaccine met product specifications and the transport process was following relevant cold-chain requirements.
