Serotype 3 pneumococcus has long been a common cause of invasive pneumococcal infections in Hong Kong. The recent good news is that the government is subsidizing the administration of the "15-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15)" to citizens, providing stronger and more accurate protection against serotype 3 pneumococcus, replacing the current vaccine.

You Could be a Carrier of Pneumococcus!

Did you know that even healthy individuals can be carriers of pneumococcus? Pneumococcus typically resides in the respiratory tract, specifically the nasal cavity and throat. When carriers or individuals with pneumococcal infections cough or sneeze, the resulting droplets can spread through droplet transmission or directly come into contact with the secretions and objects of carriers or infected individuals, leading to infection.

Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as infants and toddlers aged 2-4, adults aged 65 and above, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly susceptible to pneumococcal infections, which tend to be more severe. If pneumococcus invades the lungs, it can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli, leading to conditions such as pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, sepsis, and bacteremia. These invasive pneumococcal infections pose a serious threat to life.

Serotype 3: Prevalent in Hong Kong with a 47% Mortality Rate

Currently, over 100 serotypes of pneumococcus have been identified worldwide. Among them, serotype 3 poses the greatest threat. In cases of invasive pneumococcal infections caused by serotype 3, the mortality rate can reach as high as 30 to 47%.

According to local epidemiological data, the predominant serotype responsible for invasive pneumococcal infections in Hong Kong is indeed serotype 3. It accounted for 50% of all pneumococcal cases from 2015 to 2019.

Government-funded PCV15: Stronger and More Accurate in Preventing Serotype 3!

Vaccination against pneumococcus is an effective measure to prevent pneumococcal infections. Research has shown that the PCV15 generates a higher immune response against serotype 3 compared to the currently widely used pneumococcal vaccines. This vaccine provides enhanced protection against invasive pneumococcal infections caused by serotype 3.

Government announces $800 subsidy for elderly individuals aged 65 and above to receive the PCV15 as a replacement for current vaccines. Eligible elderly individuals are encouraged to visit registered private clinics participating in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme to receive pneumococcal vaccination. Doctors will assess their medical history and vaccination records to provide appropriate vaccine administration arrangements. Non-eligible elderly individuals and adults aged 18 and above are also advised to consider receiving the PCV15 to reduce the risk of pneumococcal infection.

Infants as young as 2 months old can start receiving PCV15. However, this new infant vaccine is currently not included in the government subsidy scheme and is not applicable to the Schedule of Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. Parents are advised to inquire about the vaccination details at private healthcare facilities. Some doctors may charge corresponding consultation fees for this vaccine.

Book Your Appointment for PCV15 Now!

For infants from 2 months to adolescents aged 17:

Price: HK$1,700 per dose

<Make Appointment at Primecare Wellness Centre>

For adults aged 18 and above:

Price: HK$1,870 per dose

< Make Appointment to book at re:HEALTH>