In Hong Kong, there are two main routes for your child's programme vaccinations: the government's Maternal & Child Health Centres, or a private paediatrician. Each has its strengths.
Maternal & Child Health Centre (MCHC)
- Cost: free vaccination from birth to age five for Eligible Persons.
- Vaccine range: covers all vaccines in the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme.
- Extras: also provides child health and development assessments, plus feeding and parenting guidance.
- Logistics: by appointment, at fixed locations and times; you may have to wait during busy periods.
Private paediatrician
- Cost: paid, and fees vary by clinic (see our cost article for current ranges).
- Vaccine range: covers the programme vaccines and can also offer non-programme, self-paid ones (e.g. some additional pneumococcal, rotavirus, flu and other vaccines).
- Extras: more continuous paediatric follow-up, and the same doctor can see your child when they're unwell.
- Logistics: more flexible booking and usually shorter waits.
How to choose
- Want to complete the core schedule for free: an MCHC is enough — the programme vaccines are safe and effective.
- Want non-programme, self-paid vaccines: a private paediatrician makes it easy to arrange in one place.
- Value flexibility, privacy or continuity: private suits you better.
- You can use both: many parents complete programme vaccines at an MCHC and top up with extra self-paid vaccines at a private paediatrician — the two don't conflict.
Wherever you go, bring the jab card so the record stays complete.