At 50, the risk of some diseases starts to rise, making it a good point to review your vaccination record.
Seasonal flu vaccine
Hong Kong lists people aged 50 or above as a priority group for the flu vaccine, available free or subsidised through the government programme, once a year.
COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19: check the official priority-group conditions for age, health or occupation. The clinical booster recommendation and an open vaccination service are separate matters; government service is currently suspended, as explained in the service notice below.
Shingles vaccine
The risk of shingles rises with age. Hong Kong has the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix), given in two doses to prevent shingles and its nerve-pain complications. There's no public subsidy, so it's self-paid.
Pneumococcal vaccine
In Hong Kong, pneumococcal vaccination is mainly subsidised for the elderly and high-risk groups. People in their 50s with specified high-risk conditions can discuss with a doctor whether earlier vaccination is needed. (See "Which pneumococcal vaccine does the HK government subsidise for older adults?")
RSV vaccine
Two adult RSV vaccines are registered in Hong Kong, Abrysvo and Arexvy, to prevent RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection, mainly for older adults or those with risk factors. Both are self-paid.
Before vaccination
Needs vary from person to person by age, health and vaccination history. Which vaccines suit you, and whether the self-paid ones are worthwhile, are questions to discuss with a family doctor.
Check COVID-19 service availability separately
Service check, 17 October 2026: CHP still reports a temporary suspension of the government COVID-19 vaccination service after the LP.8.1 supply expired. An expected resumption in the fourth quarter is not a confirmed reopening date. Check the official notice and provider for current service, formulation and supply.