Pandemic Easing? Should Seniors Still Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

According to Professor Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Clinical Professor and Chair of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, the overall COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong is gradually improving. However, with local residents traveling abroad and an increase in tourists visiting Hong Kong, the circulation of infectious viruses is accelerating. This poses ongoing risks for the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that high-risk individuals receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine approximately six months after their last dose or infection to strengthen their protection.

Do Seniors Still Need COVID-19 Vaccines/Boosters?

The COVID-19 virus can cause symptoms such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications like respiratory failure, sepsis, shock, organ failure, and even death.

In Hong Kong, over 95% of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in individuals aged 60 and above, highlighting the high-risk nature of the elderly and non-institutionalized seniors when it comes to contracting the virus. Timely vaccination is crucial in reducing the risk of severe illness, death, and the long-term effects associated with "Long COVID."

Even if seniors have received the initial COVID-19 vaccine, antibody levels gradually decrease over time, leaving them vulnerable to another severe infection. That's why it's important to receive a booster dose to enhance immunity and ensure continued protection.

Free COVID-19 Vaccines Offered by the Government

The government is providing free vaccination services for individuals aged 50 and above, including the initial three doses and an additional booster in 2023. The available vaccine types include:

The mRNA bivalent vaccine provides a broader shield against the Omicron variant, including the XBB strain, offering enhanced protection. Research indicates that individuals aged 55 and above who receive the mRNA bivalent booster experience a 13.2-fold increase in antibody levels against the Omicron BA.4/5 variant after one month. Moreover, the bivalent vaccine has shown greater effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations and reducing mortality rates among seniors compared to the original strain vaccine.

If you're considering getting vaccinated, here are the options available to the public:

Designated clinics/hospital vaccination centers under the Hospital Authority (providing mRNA and inactivated vaccines).

Private clinics offering COVID-19 vaccination services (providing mRNA and inactivated vaccines).

Elderly Health Centres operated by the Department of Health (limited to inactivated vaccines).

Information provided by GSK.

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