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Hong Kong defends childhood vaccination schedule after US cuts guidance
Hong Kong says its childhood immunisation program requires vaccines and boosters for 11 diseases from birth through Primary Six.
Hong Kong authorities have defended the city’s childhood vaccination programme after the United States scaled back its immunisation recommendations, arguing that public health policies should not be changed without reliable scientific evidence. The Centre for Health Protection, or CHP, said on Tuesday that medical recommendations must be based on research to avoid significant and irreversible risks to children.
Under Hong Kong’s Childhood Immunisation Programme, or HKCIP, children from birth to Primary Six are required to receive vaccines and boosters against 11 diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, pneumococcal infection, chickenpox, measles, mumps and rubella. The program also offers HPV vaccinations for eligible primary school girls to help prevent cervical cancer.
CHP said delaying vaccinations reduces protection against infectious diseases, and reminded parents to arrange vaccinations in line with HKCIP for comprehensive and timely coverage.
The backdrop is a US executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday, which recommended vaccination against multiple conditions including RSV monoclonal antibodies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal strains, and dengue only for certain high-risk groups or populations, according to the outlet.