Editorial | Covid’s deadly risk has not gone away in Hong Kong
A survey shows that more must be done to educate the most vulnerable about the ongoing need for vaccinations
Winter’s chill may have finally arrived, but far too many Hongkongers are not ready for the flu season because they have put off getting Covid-19 vaccinations. A new survey found 90 per cent of those at high risk of severe illness have not had jabs in over a year.
Worryingly, two-thirds of those surveyed did not think they needed further shots, according to the Covid-19 Public Health Concern Group. The new organisation comprising eight healthcare experts issued its findings on December 8 to coincide with the release of a new mRNA jab targeting the latest JN.1 variant of the disease.
Group member Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, also chair professor of the department of medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said co-circulation of Covid and influenza viruses means there is “high risk” of complications, hospitalisation and infant deaths.
Held over a month leading up to November 16, the survey reached 571 people aged 30 or older who had chronic illnesses. Only 10 per cent had a Covid shot in the past 12 months, although 60 per cent said they knew they were at high risk of severe infection.
Nearly 200 had not received booster shots in more than two years and some admitted never getting vaccinated. Among those who had not received boosters, far too many said they did not think shots were necessary or thought regular flu was more serious.
But at least three Hong Kong people died from Covid-19 in the last week of November, according to the Centre for Health Protection. It said more than 6.9 million people had received one Covid shot, but only 62,743 were up-to-date with a sixth dose.
