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Cannix Yau

Hong Kong’s vulnerable groups should get vaccinated against Covid-19 infections once a year as new outbreaks will occur every six to nine months, a medical expert has urged.
David Hui Shu-cheong, a professor of respiratory medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, made the appeal on Saturday while noting that the current wave of Covid-19 infections had been declining since late last month and could end in July or August.
“The current outbreak started in April, peaked at the end of May and is now beginning to subside,” he told a radio programme.
“High-risk groups such as the chronically ill, children, the elderly and those with weakened immunity can easily develop complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure or even die once infected with the Covid-19 virus.”
Authorities have reported six severe paediatric Covid cases so far this year, none of which have been fatal. Two of the children had underlying illnesses and four were unvaccinated.
Hui said that as Covid-19 antibodies were not long-lasting, there would be periodic decreases in overall community immunity and new outbreaks occurring in cycles – about once every six to nine months.
“As a new outbreak will come back every year, I would advise high-risk groups to get jabbed at least once every year against the infection,” he said.
“As Covid-19 symptoms are very similar to those of flu, those who suffer respiratory symptoms should undergo rapid antigen tests quickly. Early diagnosis of Covid-19 allows for timely medication, which can reduce the risk of complications.”
Hui also advised high-risk groups to get vaccinated against flu once a year, citing a recent cluster of influenza A infections in a primary school in Sham Shui Po involving 46 people – 41 boys, aged seven to 10, and five staff members.
Among the infected, 41 sought medical attention and three were hospitalised. All of the patients had mild symptoms.

“They were sporadic cases which I believe were likely to be linked to poor air circulation or inadequate cleaning of shared items among students,” he said.
He cautioned that summer flu seasons typically occurred for about half the summer, usually appearing between July and August, and noted that the vaccination rate among children aged six months to two years was far from satisfactory, with only 27 per cent getting jabbed.
“Influenza vaccines have been used for many years with extremely low side effects, mainly minor redness and swelling at the injection site. Parents should arrange for their young children to receive the flu vaccines to reduce infection risks,” he said.


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News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Professor David Hui of Chinese University warns that new outbreaks will occur every six to nine months


Professor David Hui of Chinese University warns that new outbreaks will occur every six to nine months.


Coronavirus Hong Kong

China

Vulnerable groups in Hong Kong should get Covid-19 vaccinations: medical expert

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Professor David Hui of Chinese University warns that new outbreaks will occur every six to nine months

Professor David Hui of Chinese University warns that new outbreaks will occur every six to nine months