Hong Kong watchdog warns against buying prepaid child vaccinations without advice

Hong Kong parents should not buy private prepaid vaccination plans for their children without prior medical consultation, the consumer watchdog has said, after finding that most service providers do not offer full refunds even if a child is deemed unfit for a jab.

The Consumer Council also called on Monday for private medical facilities and other service providers to be more transparent about their pricing after discovering that 95 per cent of those surveyed required residents to prepay in full.

“The council urges service providers to enhance transparency by clearly listing the types of vaccines covered and the detailed charges of each scheme,” it said.

“Any additional charges or refund arrangements should be clearly explained before payment, and consumers should be allowed to consult a doctor prior to making payment.”

Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, nearly all eligible young people from birth through to Primary Six are provided with free vaccination services targeting 12 infectious diseases, such as measles and hepatitis B.

But some parents have opted to buy additional vaccination coverage offered by private healthcare facilities or other medical groups.