Monkeypox Vaccination Scheme to Begin on Oct. 5

The Department of Health has announced a monkeypox inoculation scheme for high-risk people that is due to launch in early October. Affected patients can freely receive their jabs unprescribed.

As previously advised, the department has assigned the high-risk status to individuals who practice risky sexual practices such as engaging with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, and individuals with a history of sexually transmitted infections within the past 12 months. Healthcare workers who have come in contact with confirmed monkeypox patients as well as laboratory staff exposed to zoonotic pox viruses are also allowed priority.

Non-medical staff patients can receive their vaccines at one of the six Social Hygiene Service Clinics across Wan Chai, Yau Ma Tei, Fanling, and Tuen Mun. Similarly, patients at the Integrated Treatment Centre in Kowloon Bay and Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital or Princess Margaret Hospital can also receive monkeypox vaccination services. More information on public vaccination centres here.

Healthcare workers and laboratory workers on the other hand can receive jabs starting Sept. 26 at designated staff clinics and the health department’s selected clinics.

The initial monkeypox vaccine shipment has arrived in Hong Kong this month, with a two-jab dosage being recommended for infected personnel. Those who have received the smallpox vaccine only need one jab. It is estimated that the current amount of monkeypox vaccines can support a patient body of up to 120,000 people. Currently, the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre has been converted into a quarantine zone for close contacts of monkeypox cases.

Bookings can be made through email or via telephone at 2547 1900 from Oct. 3 onwards.