Editorial | Unvaccinated girl’s flu death a reminder of need for community protection
The case should prompt schools and families to focus efforts on vaccinating children as soon as possible as flu seasons overlap
Including Sunday’s fatality, there have been nine severe paediatric influenza cases involving children aged 3 to 17 so far this school year. Eight had no prior health issues. The Centre for Health Protection said on Tuesday that about 70 outbreaks had been recorded weekly during the past month, far exceeding last winter’s peak of around 15, indicating that the virus has been very active this season. The summer flu season is also expected to last into November and overlap with the winter flu season, which arrives with colder weather.
Health experts warn that serious complications can arise from seasonal flu and that jabs are the most effective way to reduce the risks of infection or serious cases. The teenager who died was vaccinated last year under the government seasonal influenza vaccination programme but had not yet received the 2025-26 jab.
The Department of Health said about 99 per cent of schools were arranging vaccinations for students. Some 58 per cent are set to do so by the end of October and more than 93 per cent by the end of November. While rates are higher than last year, the department has urged institutions to try to advance inoculation arrangements where feasible.
Some health experts have reminded parents that they can also get children vaccinated through other ways, such as private doctors. Masks in crowded spaces and vigilance in personal hygiene, including frequent hand cleaning, have also been suggested.
Hong Kong is not alone. Outbreaks have also been reported in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand amid global concerns about the virus evolving and spreading more readily. Everyone must do their part to protect the community, especially the young and the old.