Pediatric and adolescent specialist Mike Kwan Yat-wah has warned that flu cases among students are likely to increase once school resumes later this week. He emphasized the importance of parents arranging vaccinations for their children.
Kwan, who is also the president of the Asian Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, highlighted that flu outbreaks have already been reported in mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. Many residents of Hong Kong returning from these areas have contracted the virus.
He expects that flu cases in Hong Kong will keep rising, especially with students going back to school, which will lead to more interactions and facilitate the spread of the virus.
The Department of Health has reported a notable increase in schools providing on-site flu vaccinations this year, with 98 percent of schools either having completed or scheduled vaccination sessions. However, the vaccination rate among children aged 6 months to under 2 years remains concerningly low at about 20 percent.
Kwan pointed out that younger children face a higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including severe conditions like encephalitis. He stressed that vaccination is vital for developing an immune response, yet some parents still hold misconceptions about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.
Kwan urged parents to rely on scientific and professional advice. He also mentioned that last year's flu season lasted 28 weeks and, given the current unpredictable situation, it is not too late to get vaccinated. Additionally, he noted a potential shift from influenza A to B strains in mainland China and Japan, stating that this year's vaccine provides protection against both types.