The Health Bureau has called for residents to get their flu shots quickly following a surge in the number of cases.
Leong Iek Hou, the coordinator of Macao’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), told media that the bureau had launched a free seasonal influenza vaccination programme for 2023 to 2024.
An increase in the number of flu cases in Macao – and the recent death of an unvaccinated five-year-old girl from influenza A (H3) in neighbouring Hong Kong – has led to a significant jump in demand for jabs. As of 5 October, the number of doses administered had reached 14,000.
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As part of the initial stage of the programme, people who are part of a priority group can get a free shot at a health centre without prior booking. That includes residents aged 6 months to 18, residents who are aged 50 or above, and those with chronic illnesses.
The Health Bureau also plans to continue providing on-site inoculations in schools and at other institutions.
In Macao, the peak periods for influenza are between January and March, as well as June and September. However, there has been a delay this year, with a surge in cases starting from the end of August.
