Nearly half of the parents are reluctant to vaccinate their children and few citizens are willing to get the fourth jab, according to a study conducted by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Hong Kong.
In a survey conducted among over 500 Hongkongers from August to September, only six percent of respondents claimed to have received the fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with most believing it was sufficient to have been triple-vaccinated.
The survey, released on Sunday, added that 47 percent of parents showed no intention to vaccinate their kids for fear of side effects.
Previously in August this year, authorities announced to purchase a batch of new-generation vaccines which targeted the Covid virus variant BA.4/5.
William Chui Chun-ming, president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacies, called on Hongkongers to receive the existing vaccines as soon as possible rather than waiting for the second generation, citing the new batches would only be available in the first quarter of next year.
“The effect of vaccine’s antibodies will decline over time,” he said, claiming receiving Covid vaccines should be completed annually as influenza vaccines.
However, he mentioned that BA.2.75.2, the newly-emerged variant of Covid virus, will have stronger resistance to the two available kinds of oral Covid medication in Hong Kong.
Chui predicted Hong Kong to see a wave of influenza outbreaks this winter.
The survey, released on Sunday, added that 47 percent of parents showed no intention to vaccinate their kids for fear of side effects.
Previously in August this year, authorities announced to purchase a batch of new-generation vaccines which targeted the Covid virus variant BA.4/5.
William Chui Chun-ming, president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacies, called on Hongkongers to receive the existing vaccines as soon as possible rather than waiting for the second generation, citing the new batches would only be available in the first quarter of next year.
“The effect of vaccine’s antibodies will decline over time,” he said, claiming receiving Covid vaccines should be completed annually as influenza vaccines.
However, he mentioned that BA.2.75.2, the newly-emerged variant of Covid virus, will have stronger resistance to the two available kinds of oral Covid medication in Hong Kong.
Chui predicted Hong Kong to see a wave of influenza outbreaks this winter.