Most Hongkongers at high risk of severe illness from Covid-19 haven’t had a booster in over a year
The study, conducted by a group of healthcare experts, highlighted the need for increased awareness and access to booster doses of the vaccine.
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About 90 per cent of Hongkongers at high risk of severe illness from Covid-19 received their last vaccination more than a year ago, a newly formed concern group found.
The Covid-19 Public Health Concern Group also said that two-thirds of those surveyed did not think they needed to receive further doses.
The group, which comprises eight healthcare experts, is publishing the results to coincide with the release of the most recent mRNA vaccine targeting the latest variant of the disease.
The group surveyed 571 residents aged 30 or older between October 16 and November 16 who had chronic illnesses.
It found that about 90 per cent of them had not received a Covid-19 vaccination in a year or more, despite 60 per cent of respondents knowing their risk of severe infection was higher.
Among them, 191 individuals hadn’t received a booster in more than two years. Thirteen respondents had never been vaccinated against the disease at all.
Of those who did not get a booster, 62.7 per cent said they did not think it was necessary, and nearly 40 per cent worried about side effects.
Quiz time
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How many respondents thought they didn’t need further doses of the vaccine?
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How many healthcare experts are part of the concern group?
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Who was surveyed for the study?
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What percentage of respondents who did not get boosters worried about side effects from it?
Suggested answers
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two-thirds
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eight
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571 Hong Kong residents aged 30 or older with chronic illnesses
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nearly 40 per cent