“Prevention is better than cure” — this also applies to the context of respiratory infections. To date, vaccinations are available for protection against four major pathogens, namely influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Below are the recommendations offered by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health:
Seasonal influenza vaccination
Recommendation
Annual administration (before the arrival of the Winter influenza season, often from September to March next year)
For details: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/107880.html
COVID-19 vaccination
Recommendation
Administration of initial doses:
2/3 doses for persons aged 6 months to 4 years
1 dose for persons aged 5 years or above
Administration of additional booster:
At least 180 days after the last vaccine dose or recovery from a COVID-19 episode
For details: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106934.html
RSV vaccination
Recommendation
Administration for personal protection as needed:
1 dose for elderly persons aged 75 years or above, those living in residential care homes, and pregnant women
Pneumococcal vaccination
Recommendation
Administration for elderly aged 65 years or above:
1 dose for those without high-risk conditions
2 doses for those with high-risk conditions one year apart
For details: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/108124.html