Flu Vaccines in Hong Kong: Where to Go and How Much Does It Cost?

In Hong Kong, seasonal influenza is usually more common from January to March/April and from July to August. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. Therefore it is best to get vaccinated two weeks before the start of the influenza season. It is recommended to get vaccinated every year, as well.

The good news is that the 2024 new flu vaccine is now available in Hong Kong. Where can you get it? How much does it cost? Our Alea team has done all the research for you, and brings you this practical guide with all the information you need around Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV).

What is the new flu vaccine?

According to the Centre for Health Protection, the new flu shots, a.k.a egg-based quadrivalent SIV and recombinant-based quadrivalent SIV are available for use in the 2022/2023 northern hemisphere influenza season. In accordance with the latest recommendations by the World Health Organization, the egg-based quadrivalent SIV is comprised of:

• A/Victoria/2570/2019(H1N1)pdm09-like virus

• A/Darwin/9/2021(H3N2)-like virus

• B/Austria/1359417/2021(B/Victoria lineage)-like virus

• B/Phuket/3073/2013(B/Yamagata lineage-like virus

Whereas the recombinant based quadrivalent SIV is comprised of:

• A/Wisconsin/588/2019(H1N1)pdm09-like virus

• A/Darwin/6/2021(H3N2)-like virus

• B/Austria/1359417/2021(B/Victoria lineage)-like virus

• B/Phuket/3073/2013(B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus

In short, the new flu shot is safe and remains essential to prevent seasonal flu. It is recommended to get vaccinated every year. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Why is getting a flu shot important ?

As of May 8, 2024, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 676 severe influenza cases since the start of 2023-24 winter influenza season, with 409 fatalities.

As a reminder, the most common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue and headache. The flu is highly contagious. It spreads via contact with infected people through droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking.

Another important reason to get your flu vaccine is to run a lower risk of being hospitalized.

Important: Many doctors and health care professionals are urging people to get the flu vaccine as early as possible this year. Please do not wait for flu cases to reach their annual peak before you get vaccinated. The flu shot takes up to two weeks to reach peak effectiveness, so try to get it early.

Where to get a flu shot in HK and How much does it cost?

Free and subsidized vaccination

The Centre for Health Protection announced that the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) and the Government Vaccination Programme (GVP) 2023/24 has been launched. The programs offer subsidized or free seasonal influenza vaccination to eligible persons, i.e. pregnant women, senior citizens aged above 65, healthcare workers, persons with chronic medical conditions, children aged 6 months to 12 years, etc.

For children, the Hong Kong government has implemented the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach, which offers free vaccination in primary schools, and with subsidies in kindergartens, kindergarten-cum-child care centers and child care centers. Last year, over 1.3 million flu shots were given in HK as part of these schemes.

Flu shots in the public sector

The GVP (free vaccination) provides free flu shots and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible groups, which include pregnant women, residents of Residential Care Homes, senior citizens aged over 65, healthcare workers, persons with chronic medical conditions, children aged 6 months to 12 years, etc. For a complete list of eligibility, please check here.

You may refer to the list of General Outpatient Clinics under Hospital Authority on the Government Vaccination Programme website.

Flu shots in the private sector

The VSS (subsidized vaccination) provides subsidized flu shots and pneumococcal vaccination to eligible residents at participating private doctors and clinics. This year's subsidy is HK$260 per dose. For the complete list of private providers and costs relevant to the VSS, visit the directory here.

Check with your doctor for influenza vaccinations in the private sector. You can also receive your flu shot at the hospitals listed below. On Hong Kong Island, prices vary between HK$250 and $500, be sure to take into account that clinics may charge a consultation fee for first-time visits, these fees differ according to the doctor’s specialty and location.

To make it easier for you, here are some private providers of the new flu shot:

Hospital options:

Clinic options:

*All amounts were last updated in July 2024. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

Are flu vaccines covered by health insurance?

Whether you have coverage through work/group health insurance or on an individual basis, you may be covered for influenza vaccination. Check your outpatient coverage and look for the details of your vaccination or wellbeing benefits, if any. It is important to note, however, that vaccination reimbursements are usually capped to an annual limit and that there may be a waiting period to complete before you can start claiming for this particular benefit.