Govt to consider allowing under 16s to get Covid jabs

The government said on Wednesday that it will consider allowing younger children to receive Covid-19 vaccines, as long as this is proven to be scientifically safe.

At the moment, those aged 16 and above are able to get the BioNTech vaccine, while people 18 and over can take the Sinovac jab.

But in the US, authorities are allowing children as young as 12 to receive BioNTech jabs.

Hong Kong’s undersecretary for health Chui Tak-yi said the government is seeking more information from the manufacturer.

“So we’re getting information from the drug company on scientific data and all supporting figures… After we’ve got it, we’re going to pass it to the advisory panel for further deliberation, and the government will proceed accordingly,” he said.

He was asked by reporters how the government will ensure there will be enough time for under 16s to get inoculated before vaccination centres close in September.

But he stressed that the German-manufactured jabs would still be available at other places in the city.

It’s hard to say right now whether there will be adjustments to the vaccination programme or “ways to buffer”, Chui said, as that would depend on the situation at the time.

In any case, people should get inoculated as soon as possible and not wait any longer, he stressed.

“There’s already much data, much scientific information and also reports from countries that have already widely implemented the vaccination programme,” Chui said.

“I think the public shouldn’t hesitate any more and get a vaccine as soon as possible.”

He was speaking at a press conference where the authorities provided local data which they said showed that Covid vaccinations have not led to a higher death rate in the territory, and that people receiving jabs are not more likely to suffer from stroke, heart attack or miscarriage.