2026–27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme
Starting from August 2026, you can schedule your seasonal flu vaccine appointment online through our website or visit our E-shop.
• FLUARIX® Injectable Flu Vaccine (注射式): Available NOW
• FLUMIST® Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (噴鼻式): Available Early to Mid-October 2026
⏱️ 1-Minute Key Takeaways
- Dual Vaccine Options: We offer both the inactivated injectable flu vaccine (FLUARIX®) for individuals aged 6 months and older, and the needle-free nasal spray vaccine (FLUMIST®) for eligible individuals aged 2 to 49 years.
- Updated Trivalent Formulation: Following WHO and CHP recommendations for the 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere season, both vaccines are trivalent formulations designed to protect against circulating influenza A and B strains.
- Annual Vaccination Recommended: Because influenza viruses undergo genetic variations over time, annual vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or older.
- Government Subsidy (VSS 2026/27): Eligible Hong Kong residents (including children, seniors, pregnant women, and chronic disease patients) can receive a HK$260 government subsidy per dose.
- Timely Immunisation: Seasonal flu activity in Hong Kong typically peaks in winter (Jan–Mar) and summer (Jul–Aug). Vaccinating early ensures adequate antibody development (approx. 2–4 weeks).
📋 Summary:
Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses significant risks of complications to young children, elderly individuals, and individuals with chronic conditions. Our clinic provides Hong Kong-registered injectable inactivated flu vaccines (FLUARIX®) and live attenuated nasal spray vaccines (FLUMIST®). Eligible Hong Kong residents can receive subsidised vaccinations through the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS).
Seasonal influenza (commonly referred to as flu) is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It is transmitted primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing, or talking, with a typical incubation period of 1 to 4 days.
While flu symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and muscle pain can be mild, severe infection can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or aggravation of underlying medical conditions. The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection recommends annual seasonal influenza vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months or older to lower the risk of infection and severe illness.
Comparing Injectable (FLUARIX®) vs. Nasal Spray (FLUMIST®) Vaccines
The key differences and clinical indications are summarised below:
| Characteristics | FLUARIX® (注射式流感疫苗) | FLUMIST® (噴鼻式流感疫苗) |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine Type | Inactivated (killed) virus vaccine | Live attenuated (weakened) virus vaccine |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) | AstraZeneca (MedImmune) |
| Approved Age | 6 months and older | 2 through 49 years of age |
| Administration Route | Intramuscular (IM) Injection (0.5 mL) | Intranasal Spray (0.1 mL per nostril) |
| HK Registration | Registered | HK-68239 |
| Primary Schedule | • ≥9 years: 1 dose • 6 months to 8 years (never vaccinated): 2 doses (interval: ≥4 weeks) • 6 months to 8 years (previously vaccinated): 1 dose |
• 9 to 49 years: 1 dose • 2 to 8 years (never vaccinated): 2 doses (interval: ≥1 month) • 2 to 8 years (previously vaccinated): 1 dose |
| Key Advantage & Suitability | Broadest age approval; suitable for pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and asthma patients. | Needle-free spray; excellent choice for children or individuals with needle anxiety (aged 2–49). |
Target Priority Groups for Vaccination
The Hong Kong CHP recommends seasonal flu vaccination for all members of the public aged 6 months or older, with specific priority given to high-risk populations:
- Children and Adolescents (6 months to <18 years): High risk of transmission in educational settings and viral complications.
- Elderly Persons (Aged 65 or above): Higher incidence of severe complications, hospitalisation, and mortality.
- Persons Aged 50 to 64 Years: Recommended for personal and community protection.
- Pregnant Women: Vaccination protects the mother and provides passive antibody protection to the newborn.
- Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions: Including chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or renal disease.
- Healthcare Workers & Caregivers: To reduce occupational risk and prevent transmission to vulnerable patients.
Safety Profile and Common Side Effects
Seasonal influenza vaccines have a well-documented safety record. Most side effects are mild, localised, and resolve spontaneously within a few days:
- FLUARIX® (Injectable): Soreness, mild redness, or swelling at the injection site; low-grade fever, muscle aches, headache, or fatigue.
- FLUMIST® (Nasal Spray): Runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat; low-grade fever (mainly in children aged 2–6).
🚫 Who Should NOT Get the Vaccine? (Contraindications)
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Anyone with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of flu vaccine or any vaccine component (including egg protein) should not receive either vaccine.
- FLUMIST® Specific Restrictions:
- Children under 2 years old or adults aged 50 and older.
- Pregnant women (live vaccine).
- Immunocompromised individuals or individuals in close contact with severely immunocompromised patients.
- Children/adolescents aged 2–17 receiving long-term aspirin or salicylate-containing therapy.
- Persons of any age with asthma or children under 5 years with recurrent wheezing.
- Acute Illness: Vaccination should be deferred for individuals experiencing moderate to severe acute febrile illness until recovery. (A mild cold without fever is not a reason to delay vaccination).
Fees & Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS 2026/27)
Under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS) 2026/27, eligible Hong Kong residents (including children aged 6 months to <18 years, seniors aged 65+, pregnant women, and disability allowance recipients) receive a HK$260 government subsidy per dose.
| Service Category | FLUARIX® (流感針) | FLUMIST® (噴鼻式) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Pay (Doctor consultation included) | HK$420 | HK$660 |
| Self-Pay (Direct vaccination service) | HK$350 (Early Bird: HK$300) |
HK$500 |
| VSS Subsidised Price (Eligible HK Residents)^ | HK$160 | HK$400 |
^ Please bring a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or relevant subsidy eligibility document during your visit to claim the VSS subsidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between FLUARIX® and FLUMIST®?
FLUARIX® is an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered via intramuscular injection, suitable for individuals aged 6 months and older. FLUMIST® is a live attenuated vaccine administered as a needle-free nasal spray, approved for healthy individuals aged 2 through 49 years.
Q: Which vaccine is recommended for pregnant women or individuals with asthma?
Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals with asthma or recurrent wheezing should receive the injectable flu vaccine (FLUARIX®). FLUMIST® contains a live attenuated virus and is not recommended for these groups.
Q: How many doses are required for infants and young children?
Children aged 6 months to 8 years who have not previously received a seasonal flu vaccine require 2 doses administered at least 4 weeks apart. Children who were vaccinated in a previous season or individuals aged 9 years and older require only 1 dose.
Q: Can individuals with egg allergies receive the flu vaccine?
Both FLUARIX® and FLUMIST® contain trace amounts of egg protein. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to egg protein or any vaccine component should not receive these vaccines. Please consult a registered physician before vaccination.
Q: Can I receive the flu vaccine if I currently have a mild cold?
A mild illness, such as a minor cold without fever, is not a reason to delay vaccination. However, individuals experiencing a moderate-to-severe acute febrile illness should postpone vaccination until full recovery.
Q: Why is annual seasonal influenza vaccination necessary?
Influenza viruses undergo frequent antigenic variation (mutations), and vaccine formulations are updated annually in accordance with WHO recommendations. Additionally, vaccine-induced immunity declines over time, necessitating an annual dose for optimal protection.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice or endorsement. Individual vaccine suitability depends on personal health conditions. Vaccine administration should be made in consultation with a registered physician.
Get In Touch
For any enquiry, please call +852 3420 6622, Whatsapp +852 5228 0810, or info@marinamedical.hk
