Domestic Workers in Hong Kong Can Already Register for the Covid-19 Vaccine Injection

DDHK.ORG - Starting Tuesday (16/3/2021) the Government Hong Kong Expanding Covid-19 vaccination coverage to include people aged between 30 and 59 years, foreign students aged 16 years and over studying in Hong Kong, and domestic workers (PRT). This was announced by two government officials, the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, and the Secretary for Civil Service, Patrick Nip, during a press conference on Monday (15/3/2021).

Community members in the above categories can make reservations starting at 09.00 a.m. on March 16 through the online booking system or on the official website of the Vaccination Program, www.covidvaccine.gov.hk or https://booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp to receive vaccines at the Community Vaccination Centers and 18 general outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority. They can also make an appointment for vaccination with a doctor or private clinic that participates in the program.

"Taking into account the supply of vaccines and the operation of the Vaccination Program, we have decided to expand the coverage of priority groups to allow more people to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and others," said Patrick Nip.

After expansion, the vaccination priority group will include more than 5,5 million people. This number is equivalent to more than 80 percent of the population aged 16 years (minimum age for current vaccination) and over.

The Vaccination Program in Hong Kong has been running since 26 February. Starting tomorrow, the 12 Community Vaccination Centers that administer the Comirnaty vaccine will be operational, bringing the total number of Community Vaccination Centers to 19 (there are eight other CVCs administering the Sinovac vaccine), making it easier for people to get vaccinated.

Currently, there are 14 categories of priority groups for getting vaccine injections in Hong Kong. Namely:

1. People aged 30 years and over (a maximum of two carers accompanying seniors aged 70 years and over can also receive the vaccine);
2. Personnel in health care settings and those participating in anti-epidemic-related work;
3. Residents and staff of nursing homes for the elderly / nursing homes for persons with disabilities and staff of community care service units for the elderly / persons with disabilities;
4. Personnel maintaining critical public services;
5. Personnel providing cross-border transportation or working at control points and ports;
6. Food and beverage staff, markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and couriers (including take-out food delivery);
7. Staff of local public transport service operators;
8. Registered construction workers and other occupant site personnel;
9. Property management staff (including security and cleaning staff);
10. School teachers and staff;
11. Tourism industry staff;
12. Scheduled building staff under Disease Prevention and Control;
13. Foreign students studying in Hong Kong (aged 16 and over); and
14. Domestic workers. (Source: SCMP / info.gov.hk) [DDHK News]