In response to media enquiries on the situation of local children receiving Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (DTaP-IPV Vaccine) (4-in-1 combination vaccine), a spokesman of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 23) reiterated that the current local supply of the vaccine concerned remains stable.
Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) of the Family Health Service (FHS) under the DH provide various vaccinations for eligible children, including DTaP-IPV Vaccine. Since April 1, 2016, the DH has implemented measures to accord priority of child health services to local children in its MCHCs. A quota has also been set for Non-eligible Persons (NEPs) at 120 new cases per month. The DH has signed a contract with vaccine suppliers which ensures sufficient vaccines to provide vaccination services for eligible local children and NEPs under the quota system.
In Hong Kong, 5-in-1 combination vaccines (containing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine components) and 6-in-1 combination vaccines (containing the 5-in-1 vaccine plus hepatitis B vaccine components) are also available in the private healthcare sector.
The Drug Office of the DH has been in close liaison with the two local suppliers of the vaccines concerned to Hong Kong and learnt that the supply of the three types of vaccines concerned remains stable. The DH, together with the vaccine suppliers, will continue to closely monitor the supply of the vaccines concerned in both the public and private healthcare sectors locally.
In order to achieve good and lasting protection, a child should receive three doses of DTaP-IPV vaccine in the first year of life (at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months), and a booster dose at 18 months. Two other doses will be given to Primary One students and Primary Six students*. DTaP-IPV can be given with other vaccines.
* Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (reduced dose) and inactivated poliovirus vaccine is recommended for Primary Six students.
For more frequently asked questions on the 4-in-1 combination vaccine, the public may refer to the website of the FHS of the DH at www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/child/485.html.
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