SCS visits various districts to appeal to public to receive COVID-19 vaccination as early as possible (with photos)

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, went to Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai and Wong Tai Sin today (October 21) to appeal to members of the public, in particular elderly persons, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination as early as possible for better self-protection.
 
     He first inspected the first departure operation of the dedicated vaccination transport service at Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po. As some housing estates do not have suitable places for COVID-19 vaccination services, the Government started today a trial run of the dedicated transport service at scheduled times in designated housing estates to take residents, particularly the elderly, to a nearby community vaccination centre (CVC) for vaccination. The residents will be picked up and returned to their housing estates after getting vaccinated.
 
     Meanwhile, the Government's outreach COVID-19 vaccination team provides Sinovac vaccination services to members of the public at Fung Ming Hall in Wong Tai Sin Temple today and tomorrow. Mr Nip attended the event to support the elderly to receive vaccinations. He also attended a vaccination event for elderly persons in Wan Chai District at Wan Chai Activities Centre.
 
     "Reaching out to the community and focusing on the elderly is a strategic priority of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme at this stage. A one-stop service covering a health talk, medical consultation and COVID-19 vaccination has been provided across the 18 districts in the territory and some vaccination activities are also under preparation. I am very grateful to various district organisations, community leaders and healthcare staff for their support. The outreach team will provide a BioNTech vaccination service at a shopping mall in Yuen Long this Saturday (October 23). I hope that people who are not yet vaccinated will respond promptly and receive the vaccination," Mr Nip said.
 
     The outreach team will provide BioNTech vaccination services to residents of Yuen Long District at the main plaza of YOHO Mall I from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm this Saturday. Residents can call 5193 0375 during office hours for enquiries, or they can register for vaccination on the spot.
 
     "Given the threat posed by mutant strains, vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves. Persons who are suitable for COVID-19 vaccination should get vaccinated as early as possible to reduce their risk of falling seriously ill and dying should they get infected," Mr Nip added.
  
     Members of the public can receive COVID-19 vaccination through various channels. All eligible persons can collect same-day tickets. They can get vaccinated without prior bookings at the CVCs. People may also make reservations and choose their preferred time slots to receive the Sinovac vaccine or the BioNTech vaccine through the designated website of the Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk), or they can receive the Sinovac vaccine through private doctors or clinics participating in the Programme.
 
     In addition, the seven COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals operate from 10am to 7pm on weekdays except public holidays, with no lunch break. The last vaccination is at 6.30pm.