What vaccines should adults over 65 get in Hong Kong?

Last reviewed: 2026-06-08

Quick answer

For adults aged 65 or above in Hong Kong, the core recommended vaccines are the seasonal flu vaccine (yearly), pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine (a priority group). The government provides these free or subsidised for eligible elderly. Two more are worth considering but are self-paid: the shingles vaccine and the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine. Whether to have them is a discussion to have with a doctor.

Immunity declines with age, and the risk of complications from some diseases is higher, so the priorities for older adults differ from those for younger people.

Government-subsidised core vaccines

Seasonal flu vaccine: once a year. Adults aged 65 or above can get it free or subsidised through the government programme.
Pneumococcal vaccine: the government programme subsidises it for the elderly. Those with no high-risk conditions get one dose of the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV); those with specified high-risk conditions get one dose of the 15-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV15) first, then 23vPPV at least a year later. (See "Which pneumococcal vaccine does the HK government subsidise for older adults?")
COVID-19 vaccine: community-dwelling adults aged 65 or above are a priority group and can get a free booster at least 6 months after the last dose or infection.

Worth considering, but self-paid

Shingles vaccine: 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.
RSV vaccine: two adult RSV vaccines are registered in Hong Kong, Abrysvo and Arexvy, to prevent RSV-related lower respiratory tract infection in older adults. Both are self-paid.

Before vaccination

Every older adult's health and vaccination history is different. Which vaccines suit you, in what order, and whether the self-paid ones are worthwhile are questions to discuss with a family doctor.

Answer six short questions to see which vaccines are worth discussing with your GP, and why.

Based on your age, health, and travel plans, using HK Department of Health and CDC guidance. A ranked list of vaccines, with the reason each one applies to you.

Rule-based

The recommendations follow HK Department of Health and US CDC guidance, and you can see how each one was reached.

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Explained

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