COVID-19
新冠疫苗
Still the strongest tool against severe disease, hospitalisation, and long-term complications from COVID-19.
Comirnaty (BNT162b2) · Spikevax · CoronaVac
What is it?
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is now endemic — circulating year-round with waves driven by new variants.
The vaccine strategy has shifted from "everyone, multiple doses" to a targeted annual booster for people most likely to get severely sick. The composition updates yearly to track the dominant variant.
For 2026, HK recommends either the JN.1 or LP.8.1 formulation. The Government provides LP.8.1 free to eligible groups aged 6 months and older.
HK Department of Health recommendation
HK CHP 2026 priority groups for COVID-19 booster vaccination:
- Residents of residential care homes for the elderly
- Adults aged 65 and above in the community
- Adults aged 50 to 64 with underlying comorbidities
- People with immunocompromising conditions, aged 6 months and above
People outside these priority groups can access vaccination in the private sector.
International reference (US CDC)
US CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months+, with strongest emphasis on 65+ and immunocompromised. HK DH focuses subsidised vaccination on highest-risk groups.
Schedule
For eligible priority groups: one dose annually, similar to flu vaccination.
People with severe immunocompromising conditions may need additional doses on individual medical advice.
HK-registered products
| Brand | Manufacturer | HK Reg No. |
|---|---|---|
| Comirnaty (BNT162b2) · mRNA | Pfizer/BioNTech | |
| Spikevax · mRNA | Moderna | |
| CoronaVac · Inactivated whole virus | Sinovac |
Side effects
Most common reactions, lasting 1-2 days: sore arm, tiredness, headache, mild fever, muscle and joint aches.
Rare but documented: myocarditis or pericarditis (mostly in younger males, mostly mild). Severe allergic reaction is rare.
Common myths
Myth: COVID is over, I don't need a booster.
Reality: COVID is endemic, not eliminated. It still puts hundreds of HK residents in hospital each wave, mostly elderly.
Myth: The vaccine causes long COVID.
Reality: Evidence shows vaccinated people who get COVID are less likely to develop long COVID than unvaccinated people.
Myth: It alters your DNA.
Reality: mRNA vaccines deliver instructions to produce a viral protein. The mRNA breaks down within days and never enters the cell nucleus where your DNA lives.
Where to get it
For eligible priority groups: book through the Government COVID-19 vaccination booking system. See your GP for current options.
Sources
- HK CHP — COVID-19 Vaccination Programme · HK Centre for Health Protection (HK)
Related vaccines
Related questions
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