The influenza vaccination subsidy scheme will run from November 1 to March 31 in 2009 in Hong Kong, allowing eligible children to get flu vaccine service from private doctors at subsidized fee levels, a government official said Wednesday.

Announcing the scheme Wednesday afternoon, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health York Chow said each eligible child is entitled to a subsidy of 80 HK dollars (10.26 U.S. dollars) per dose of flu vaccine received from private doctors enrolled in the scheme.

Children between the age of six months and less than six years with Hong Kong resident status and those aged six or above but attending kindergartens or childcare centers are eligible for the subsidy.

About 300,000 children will benefit from the scheme, Chow said, adding it will cost about 56 million HK dollars.

Parents will pay the remaining fee after the 80 HK dollars subsidy is discounted. A child who has not received flu vaccination before normally need two doses.

Doctors who have enrolled in the scheme will display a dedicated logo at their clinics. They will also put up in the clinic the fees charged for flu vaccination service for public reference.

For children aged between six months and less than six years whose families receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will provide free flu vaccination services through public hospitals and clinics.

Private doctors interested in participating are advised to place early orders for flu vaccines from their suppliers to ensure adequate supplies.

The HKSAR government will continue to provide free flu vaccination services to the eligible target groups for the 2008-09 flu season through public hospitals and clinics, Chow said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2008)