Influenza (Flu)
流感疫苗
Flu vaccination for 2026/27: vaccine types, timing, subsidies and fees.
What is it?
The flu vaccine helps prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccine composition is updated to match circulating virus strains, so vaccination is recommended every year.
Flu vaccines are given by injection or nasal spray. Inactivated (IIV) and recombinant (RIV) vaccines are injections; live attenuated vaccines (LAIV) are nasal sprays. Age and health restrictions differ, so a healthcare professional should check which product is appropriate.
2026/27: trivalent flu vaccines
CHP recommends trivalent vaccines this season, covering two influenza A components and one influenza B component. A quadrivalent vaccine covers more components, but that does not make it a better choice for this season. Follow the current guidance and the conditions for the exact product.
Why prevent influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It differs from the common cold and can cause serious illness, even in people who were previously healthy.
Hong Kong guidance, eligibility and individual assessment
CHP recommends annual flu vaccination from 6 months of age, except for people with known contraindications. Priority groups include healthcare workers, people aged 50 or above, pregnant women, children and adolescents, care-home residents, people with relevant chronic medical problems and specified poultry/pig industry workers.
A vaccination recommendation does not automatically qualify you for a free service. Vaccines also have age and health restrictions. Check the scheme and venue for your group, then ask a healthcare professional to confirm the appropriate product.
Schedule
CHP recommends annual vaccination, with October–November the optimal time in Hong Kong guidance. Antibodies usually take about two weeks to develop. If you miss that window, you can still get vaccinated as soon as possible. Do not wait for a particular month when early vaccination is advised.
People aged 9 years or above usually receive one dose per season. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have never received seasonal influenza vaccine need two doses at least 28 days apart. Those with a previous seasonal influenza dose usually need one dose this season. Ask a clinician to check the vaccination record and product-specific dose.
The 2026/27 Government Vaccination Programme, Vaccination Subsidy Scheme and school outreach programme began on 17 September 2026. Arrange vaccination through the programme that applies to you.
When should you get your flu vaccine?
Influenza occurs throughout the year in Hong Kong and is usually more active in January–April and July–August. The shaded months show that usual pattern; actual seasons can vary.
- 17 Sep 2026
Free and subsidised government vaccination programmes began.
- Oct–Nov
The optimal time in Hong Kong guidance. If you miss this window, you can still get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- About 2 weeks
Antibodies usually take about two weeks to develop after vaccination. Protection is not complete.
Do not wait for a shaded month when early vaccination is advised. Children aged 6 months to under 9 receiving their first flu vaccination need two doses at least 28 days apart. Ask a healthcare professional to help plan the visits.
2026/27 vaccine types and product reference
Vaccine types
- IIV
- Inactivated injection. Age and conditions depend on the exact local product.
- RIV
- Recombinant injection. Current guidance: from age 9; exact local insert and other restrictions apply.
- LAIV
- Live attenuated nasal spray. Current guidance: ages 2–49, excluding pregnancy, immunocompromise and other contraindications.
These are general recommendations for each vaccine type. Before vaccination, ask a healthcare professional to check the exact product’s Hong Kong age indication and contraindications.
Vaccines procured for government programmes, 2026/27
Scroll sideways to compare all details.
| Product named by DH | Hong Kong registration | Vaccine type | Pharmaceutical company named by DH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaxigrip Trivalent Influenza Vaccine | HK-68672 | IIV injection | Sanofi |
| Anflu Influenza Vaccine | HK-68671 | IIV injection | Sinovac |
| Flumist Trivalent Influenza Intranasal Vaccine | HK-68239 | LAIV nasal spray | AstraZeneca |
| Flublok Trivalent Influenza Vaccine | HK-68673 | RIV injection | Sanofi |
All four are trivalent vaccines. This government procurement list does not cover the whole Hong Kong market. The private providers below are not confirmed to supply these brands. Ask the provider which product it uses and whether it is available, then ask a healthcare professional to check suitability.
DH procurement notice, 5 August 2026 · Source checked:
Side effects
Common reactions after injectable flu vaccines include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. Some people experience fever, muscle aches or tiredness. Nasal spray vaccines can cause a runny or blocked nose or sore throat. Reactions are generally mild and temporary.
Seek immediate medical help for severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips or tongue, or other severe or persistent symptoms. Tell the vaccinating clinician about previous severe vaccine reactions, allergies, relevant conditions and medicines.
Common myths
Myth: The flu vaccine causes flu.
Reality: Inactivated and recombinant vaccines cannot cause influenza. Vaccine reactions and unrelated respiratory infections can still occur after vaccination.
Myth: Only people with existing illnesses need a flu vaccine.
Reality: Serious influenza can also occur in previously healthy people. Hong Kong recommends annual vaccination from 6 months of age, with contraindications checked by a clinician.
Cost and vaccination locations
Choose the route for your group: public follow-up or antenatal clinics, MCHCs, school outreach, District Health Centres/Expresses and VSS-enrolled private doctors have different eligibility and service conditions. Use the group guide below, then confirm the appointment, product, documents and fee with the venue.
Free vaccination, subsidised doctor services and self-pay packages have different conditions. Check the arrangements for your age and group. VSS pays enrolled private doctors HK$260 per flu dose; the doctor may charge extra. You cannot deduct that subsidy from a self-pay package that does not accept VSS.
People aged 18 or above must register for eHealth before free or subsidised flu vaccination. Before booking, confirm the required documents, total fee and supply with the provider. The price article gives dated package examples; it does not guarantee stock or an appointment.
Further reading
Who qualifies for free/subsidised flu vaccination?
Flu vaccine prices and package terms
When to get vaccinated and how many doses
Packages & prices
Each listing shows its last verification date. Confirm price and eligibility with the provider before booking.
Gleneagles Hospital Hong KongPrivate hospitalTrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) · 2026/27
Confirm the exact brand and Hong Kong registration number with the provider.
Last verified 24 Oct 2026HK$380Book on clinic site ↗
Quality HealthCare Medical CentreClinicTrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) · 2026/27
Confirm the exact brand and Hong Kong registration number with the provider.
Last verified 2 Oct 2026Confirm total fees with providerBook on clinic site ↗
Prices and terms change often and many are limited-time promotions — confirm the current price and availability with the provider before booking. hkvaccines.com is independent: we take no payment for bookings or placement.
Sources
- CHP seasonal influenza FAQ 2026/27 · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
- SCVPD influenza recommendations 2026/27, updated 21 August 2026 · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
- CHP seasonal influenza vaccination service routes · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
- Vaccination Subsidy Scheme 2026/27 · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
- Government Vaccination Programme 2026/27 · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
- CHP school outreach programme 2026/27 · Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health (HK)Source checked:
The review type is not recorded; this does not establish clinical review. Source checks are dated below. How sources are used
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