Individuals aged 18 to 49 in Hong Kong, who suffer from chronic illnesses, will shortly become eligible for subsidized flu vaccinations
Hong Kong Expands Flu Vaccination Programme to Support Chronic Illness Patients
Starting in 2025, Hong Kong has expanded the eligibility criteria for receiving a subsidised flu jab for residents aged 18 to 49 with chronic illnesses. Previously, only those aged 50 or above, disabled individuals, or social security recipients with chronic illnesses in this age group were eligible.
Under the new expansion, all Hongkongers aged 18 to 49 who have chronic illnesses can receive the subsidised influenza vaccination. This move aims to better identify and support this hidden population with chronic conditions through enhanced community healthcare services and electronic health information.
Currently, the government's subsidised vaccination coverage includes residents aged 6 months to 18 years, residents aged 50 or older, disabled persons and social security recipients with chronic illnesses aged 18 to 49, and high-risk groups like care home residents, healthcare workers, and workers in poultry and animal slaughter industries.
The new expansion specifically targets 18 to 49-year-olds with chronic illnesses beyond the previously narrower subgroup. Details about the specific chronic illnesses included in the expanded criteria are yet to be formally announced by the government. However, the emphasis is on identifying more residents with chronic conditions during vaccination declarations for improved healthcare support.
This move supports stronger vaccination uptake and better chronic illness management in the community. The government's flu vaccination programme is part of a larger effort to improve community healthcare support services in Hong Kong.
For official updates and enrollment, residents should consult the Department of Health or the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme online booking system.
[1] Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR Government. (2025). Press Release: Expansion of the Government's Flu Vaccination Programme to Support Residents with Chronic Illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.gov.hk/gazette/dynamic/2025/03/20/17.29.html
[5] COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Hong Kong SAR Government. (2025). Booking Your Vaccination Appointment. Retrieved from https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en-us/booking/
- The expansion of Hong Kong's flu vaccination programme in 2025 includes chronic disease patients aged 18 to 49, broadening the previous eligibility to a hidden population.
- In light of this new initiative, the government aims to identify more residents with chronic illnesses for improved mental health, health and wellness, fitness, and exercise, and nutrition support.
- Apart from the government's efforts to support chronic diseases among the elderly and disabled, the programme now targets oiling the gears of a stronger health and wellness infrastructure for the working population.
- As part of this larger effort, attending to the health needs of these patients involves seeking information from official sources such as the Department of Health or the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme online booking system for updates and enrollment.
