School & Group Vaccination

Yes. Students are vaccinated free of charge, and the school bears no cost.

Under the Department of Health’s Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), eligible groups can receive free influenza vaccinations through outreach sessions. This includes Hong Kong Identity Card holders aged 50 or above, who are entitled to free vaccination as part of this public health initiative.

Additionally, eligible staff members and parents can receive free vaccination on the same day as the students. For individuals aged 18 to 49 who do not meet the eligibility criteria, vaccinations are available at a preferential rate, making influenza protection more affordable for a wider population. This approach aims to increase vaccination coverage across different demographic groups, supporting community health by reducing the spread and impact of influenza.

Schools may opt for vaccines supplied by the Department of Health or those procured from a designated manufacturer through the medical provider, based on what best suits the preferences of the school and parents. Vaccines from both sources meet international standards, and are guaranteed to be of high quality and safe.

The medical team will return to the school at least four weeks after the first dose to administer the second dose to students who require it.

Students who are absent, experience a fever or feel unwell on the vaccination day will not receive the vaccine at school. In such cases, a “Notification to Parents – SIV has not been given” will be given to the parents. Once the student has fully recovered, parents may bring the notice to our clinic to receive a free catch-up dose (for injectable vaccines only) or complete the vaccination at a nearby medical centre.

To prevent needle-phobia reactions such as dizziness or nausea caused by anxiety or low blood sugar, parents are kindly requested to ensure that students eat a proper breakfast on the day of vaccination. Additionally, if your child has prior vaccination records, please have them bring the documents on the day for verification by the medical team.

• Side effects of the inactivated influenza vaccine (injection) are generally mild and short-lived; the most common are pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. Some people may experience fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue, which usually subside within a few days.
• The most common side effects of the live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray) include mild nasal congestion, runny nose, low-grade fever and sore throat. Children under 5 with recurrent wheezing, and asthma patients of any age, may face an increased risk of wheezing after vaccination. As this is a live attenuated vaccine, the weakened virus it contains may also be transmitted to immunocompromised individuals.

Note: Side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if persistent fever, a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or tongue, or hives/urticaria) or any other discomfort occurs after vaccination, please seek medical attention immediately.

All members of the medical team are Registered Nurses or Enrolled Nurses holding qualifications recognised in Hong Kong, ensuring a professional and safe vaccination process.

To ensure student safety and a smooth session, we recommend a well-ventilated indoor space (such as the school hall, a vacant classroom or a multi-purpose room), with teachers leading students to the vaccination area.

The medical team will provide a vaccination card right after vaccination. For students not vaccinated on that day, a “Notification to Parents – SIV has not been given” will be issued for parents to retain for future catch-up vaccination or record verification.

The school does not need to store any clinical waste. The medical team will collect it on the same day and ensure proper disposal in accordance with government regulations.