As the minimum age for COVID-19 vaccination has been lowered, the HKCH Children’s Community Vaccination Centre now provides Sinovac vaccine for children aged six months to 17 years, while children aged five to 11 can still come to get BioNTech vaccine.

The centre has been modified to segregate the two groups of recipient for a smooth and safe process. The respective entrances, registration counters, waiting areas, injection booths and refrigerators are delineated by partitions and signage of different colours. Baby care rooms and emergency medical supplies in small sizes are also added.

▲The HKCH Children’s Community Vaccination Centre has separate entrances for Sinovac and BioNTech recipients.

Many parents are skeptical about vaccine side effects. A joint statement by five paediatric professional groups points out that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe for children. Food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema are not contraindications.

More and more children develop serious complications after contracting the coronavirus, including croup, acute necrotising encephalopathy, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome. They are life threatening and could leave long-term damage for our precious children. I urge parents to get their loved ones vaccinated now to give them the protection they need.

Dr Lee Tsz-leung, Hospital Chief Executive