Government extends third dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements

     The Government announced today (November 18) that members of the public who have received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine with the second dose received six months ago, irrespective of whether they belong to the certain groups, can make reservations for and receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine starting from November 23 (Tuesday).

      "Arrangements have been made for persons under certain groups to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on a priority basis since November 11 and the operation has been smooth. After assessing the capacity and service demand of the Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations, we have decided to expand the arrangements to cover more eligible persons to enhance protection," a spokesman for the Government said.

     "Before making an appointment, members of the public should take note of a minimum interval of 14 days between a COVID-19 vaccination and any other vaccinations (including the seasonal flu vaccine)."

     The third dose vaccination arrangements for immunocompromised persons (e.g. cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, advanced-stage HIV patients and persons taking active immunosuppressive drugs) remain unchanged. The third dose should be administered at least four weeks from the second dose.

     For individuals aged 18 or above who have received two doses of the Fosun/BioNTech vaccine, the current arrangements to administer the third dose for higher risk populations (including elderly aged 60 or above, healthcare workers and persons with chronic illnesses) and workers at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational setting (e.g. personnel participating in anti-epidemic related work, personnel providing cross-boundary transportation or working at control points and ports) remain unchanged. The third dose should be administered at least six months from the second dose.

     There are various channels for members of the public to receive a third dose vaccination:

(1) They can make reservations for vaccination at the CVCs (Appendix I) or designated clinics of the Hospital Authority (Appendix II) through the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk);

(2) They can collect same-day tickets and get vaccinated at the CVCs (except those located at a private hospital) without prior booking. The tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis;

(3) Patients and visitors of public hospitals can receive a Fosun/BioNTech vaccination without prior booking at nine Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations (Appendix III);

(4) They can also make a reservation for a Sinovac vaccination through private doctors or clinics enrolled in the Vaccination Programme. The list of private doctors/clinics is available at the designated website of the Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/VSS).

Procedures for third dose reservation and vaccination
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     Persons who would like to make a reservation for a third dose on the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk) only have to select the particular group they belong to in the booking system.

     Immunocompromised persons have to bring along with them a medical certificate on the day of vaccination to ensure that they receive the third dose between four weeks and six months from their second dose. As for immunocompromised persons aged between 12 and 17, they are required to bring along a consent form signed by their parents. They must be accompanied by their parents to the CVC on the day of vaccination. A template of the consent form can be downloaded from the designated website of the Vaccination Programme.

     Persons who have taken two doses of Sinovac vaccine for at least six months only have to show their Hong Kong identification document for verification.

     For individuals who have taken two doses of the Fosun/BioNTech vaccine, persons aged 60 or above only have to show their Hong Kong identification document for verification. Healthcare workers and workers at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational setting can provide their work certifications or make a declaration stating that they work in the relevant trades.

     Persons with chronic illnesses should consult their physician on the appropriate time to receive the third dose. To facilitate their vaccination, relevant documentary proof is not necessary.

     Currently, the Fosun/BioNTech vaccine is for persons aged 12 or above while the Sinovac vaccine is for persons aged 18 or above. For recommendation of a third dose COVID-19 vaccination, please refer to www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/Third_dose_supplementary_sheet_ENG.pdf.