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Immunisation is a significant factor in building children's immune systems and protecting their health well into adulthood. It is rather common for children to receive vaccines at a young age, often according to the country’s vaccination policies. However, the policies tend to vary from country to country. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the policies and schedule of vaccinations in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Immunisation Schedule
If you have just welcomed a baby into the world, just moved to Hong Kong, or if you are currently expecting, it is crucial to understand the Hong Kong immunisation schedule to ensure optimal health for you and your family.
In Hong Kong, vaccinations are not required by law. However, many schools and nurseries do not take children without certain immunisations. Some schools even help to vaccinate children on their premises. Parents are advised to refer to individual school policies for specific requirements.
Parents in Hong Kong are generally pro-vaccination and the majority of children in Hong Kong are immunised and protected. So vaccination rates in Hong Kong have traditionally been high, maintaining at over 95%.
The Hong Kong immunisation schedule is similar to that of European and most Western countries. However, the majority of children receive BCG and hepatitis B vaccines earlier in Hong Kong because of the high prevalence of the disease. Other vaccines such as meningococcal and Haemophilus Influenzae type B are not given because they are not prevalent.
Child Immunisation
In Hong Kong, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health recommends vaccinating children according to the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP).
| Age | Vaccination recommendation |
| Newborn |
|
| 1 month |
|
| 2 months |
|
| 4 months |
|
| 6 months |
|
| 12 months |
|
| 18 months |
|
| Primary 1 |
|
| Primary 5 |
|
| Primary 6 |
|
1DTaP- IPV Vaccine: Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis & Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine
2 Children born on or after 01/07/2018 receive first dose at 18 months. Children born between 01/01/2013 and 30/06/2018 receive MMRV vaccine in Primary 1.
Child Vaccinations at OT&P
There are other vaccinations available at private clinics like ours. Here is our recommendation list:
| Age | Vaccination recommendation |
| 2 months |
|
| 4 months |
|
| 6 months |
|
| 12 - 15 months |
|
| 18 months |
|
| 9 - 14 years old |
|
| Discuss with your Doctor |
|
1 Haemophilus influenza type B
Some of the most important vaccinations listed here are:
- Hepatitis B vaccine: This vaccine is known as Energix B. It protects children against the Hepatitis B virus.
- DTaP-IPV vaccine: This 4-in-1 vaccine protects children from tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio diseases.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine prevents pneumococcal disease, which is spread by person-to-person contact and can cause blood infections, pneumonia, and bacterial meningitis.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine: This vaccine is used to prevent MMR. Children who receive two doses of the vaccine are considered protected for life, without needing a booster shot.
Where to Get Child Vaccinations in Hong Kong?
Several types of clinics in Hong Kong offer child vaccinations. Some vaccinations provided by public clinics include hepatitis B, pneumococcal, B.C.G., DTaP-IPV, MMR, and varicella. According to the HKCIP, children up to 5 years old are eligible for the immunisation programme at the government’s Maternal and Child Health Centres. For primary school children, the Department of Health reaches them through their school immunisation teams.
Some vaccinations that are provided only privately include Hepatitis A, Influenza, Haemophilus Influenzae type B, Meningococcal, and Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Private clinics often offer more flexibility and a more extensive range of vaccine choices. This makes the vaccination process easy on the child, sometimes by combining these vaccine shots into a single vaccine to minimise the pain for the child.
- Tip: Most clinics in Hong Kong provide a child-friendly environment and staff trained to work with children. Remember to bring along your child's medical history and vaccine records when attending your appointment to speed up the process.
- Immunisations are offered for HK ID card holders at public clinics free of charge.
Outbound Travel Vaccinations in Hong Kong
Parents travelling with their child to any of the Southeast Asian countries may want to consider getting some necessary vaccinations for the most common diseases in the travel destination. The vaccines may include: the yellow fever vaccine and the Japanese encephalitis vaccine,
Getting vaccinated beforehand will keep you safe from the infections and diseases prevalent in a specific region. Even when you are abroad, you need to ensure that the immunisation of your child is up to date.
It’s also important for parents to keep their vaccinations up to date. Read more about vaccinations adults may require in our adult vaccination guide or consult the travel clinic at OT&P’s general practice for professional advice.
How can OT&P help?
At OT&P, we offer extensive vaccinations and specialists to ensure you and your child get vaccinated in a safe and child-friendly environment. Contact us today to discuss the best vaccination plan for you and your loved ones.
