Same-day ticket arrangements for COVID-19 vaccination to be expanded to cover people aged 60 or above

     The Government announced today (August 9) that starting from Wednesday (August 11), same-day tickets will be distributed at 24 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) (except those run by private hospitals) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to persons aged 60 or above so that they can receive COVID-19 vaccination in a CVC at a designated timeslot on the day of distribution. The locations of the 24 CVCs are listed in the Annex.
      
     A Government spokesman said, "The arrangement for distributing same-day tickets to persons aged 70 or above has been implemented smoothly at the CVCs since July 29. After evaluating the actual situation, we have decided to extend the arrangement to cover persons aged 60 or above.
      
     "They can also be accompanied by a maximum of two carers to receive their vaccination, as some may need their family members or carers to accompany or take care of them. The companions can also receive vaccination together."
      
     The same-day tickets will be distributed daily from 7.45am on a first-come, first-served basis. The CVCs will be closed between 1.30pm and 2.30pm daily for cleaning and disinfection, and the last session of vaccination will be held from 7pm to 7.30pm.
      
     "According to the latest recommendation on COVID-19 vaccination by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel, the elderly are the group with the highest risks of complications and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are highly recommended for the elderly for protection against infection. Experts recommend that all elderly people who have previously received influenza vaccines can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines. If the elderly have chronic diseases, they should get vaccinated as soon as possible for protection when their condition is stable," the spokesman said.
      
     Elderly persons aged 60 or above can present their Hong Kong identity cards (HKID cards) to get a same-day ticket at CVCs. They can also authorise their family members or carers to collect a ticket on their behalf, provided that the authorised person can present a copy of the authoriser's HKID card for registration. When receiving the first dose of vaccination, they will be informed of the date and time for the second dose.
      
     About 4 600 same-day tickets will be distributed daily at 24 CVCs in August. In view of the limited capacity of the venues, the CVCs at Tung Chung Community Hall and Hong Kong International Airport will each distribute 100 tickets per day, while other CVCs, except those run by private hospitals, will each distribute 200 tickets per day.
      
     Having regard to the latest arrangements for the operation of CVCs, same-day tickets will be distributed at the CVCs at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Ap Lei Chau Sports Centre and Hong Kong International Airport till August 31.
      
     Members of the public can learn more information on vaccines and make reservations on the designated website of the Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).