Unvaccinated children, elderly face much higher risk of major flu complications: official
Hong Kong health officials have warned that unvaccinated children and elderly individuals face a significantly higher risk of severe flu complications. With influenza cases rising, the government is urging vulnerable groups to get vaccinated as seasonal programs begin.
Why it matters
Public health warnings are critical for managing hospital capacity and preventing mortality during seasonal influenza outbreaks.
Unvaccinated children and elderly people are four to five times more likely to face serious complications or mortality from flu infections than those who receive vaccinations, a Hong Kong health official has warned, as influenza cases in the city continue to rise.
Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin issued the warning on Saturday as he pointed out that Hong Kong’s influenza infections had been increasing since June.
“Up until last week, the number of flu infections still remained at a high level,” he told a radio programme.
He said 13 per cent of laboratory samples tested positive for flu viruses, up from 12 per cent during the same period last year.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in