Recently, the issue of "problematic vaccines" has caused widespread concern, leaving many parents anxious. So, is it safe to get vaccinated in Hong Kong? Many believe that vaccines in Hong Kong are all imported and highly safe; however, imported vaccines in Hong Kong may not necessarily be more advanced than those in the mainland, but the approval and regulatory processes are better managed. After immigrating to Hong Kong, where can vaccinations be administered? What preparations and considerations are necessary?
1, Where Can Vaccinations Be Administered in Hong Kong??
Hong Kong Maternal and Child Health Centres: The Maternal and Child Health Centres under the Department of Health provide immunization services for babies aged 0-5 years. These centres operate only from Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays and weekends), and appointments must be made in advance before vaccination.
Private Clinics: Private clinics also offer pentavalent vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b) or hexavalent vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B). These combination vaccines have fewer side effects compared to traditional separate injections, and fewer injections can reduce the discomfort for children.
2, What Documents Are Required for Vaccination??
For the first registration at a Hong Kong Maternal and Child Health Centre, the required documents include: immunization record card or booklet, birth certificate, valid travel documents for non-Hong Kong born babies, identification and valid travel documents for both parents, and newborn discharge records.
For subsequent registrations at the Hong Kong Maternal and Child Health Centre, the following documents are required: immunization record, birth certificate, valid travel documents for non-Hong Kong born babies, identification and valid travel documents for both parents, child's medical history documents, and children's health records.
3, What Is the Vaccination Process?
Step 1: Phone Appointment: The phone appointment times and vaccination times vary for each Maternal and Child Health Centre, so it is necessary to check the information online in advance.;
Step 2: Submit Registration Documents: Go to the window in advance according to the appointment time to submit the registration for vaccination, and wait for the child's name to be called.;
Step 3: Physical Examination: A physical examination is required before each vaccination, including height, weight, and head circumference. If any health issues are found, a visit to the doctor's office will be arranged.
Step 4: Verify Information: Before vaccination, the nurse will consult and verify the child's vaccination registration, inquire whether the child has been vaccinated elsewhere, and explain the efficacy of the vaccine and possible side effects.
Step 5: Verify Vaccine Name: Before the injection, the nurse will again verify the vaccine name with the parents.
Step 6: Observation: After the vaccination, the child needs to be observed in the waiting area for 20 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions before receiving antipyretic medication at the pharmacy.