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: 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.
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.
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.