Gov-funded Programme

2025/26 Government Vaccination Subsidy Scheme — Remember to inject "Left Flu Right Lung"

1. What does “Left Flu Right Lung”mean?
“Left Flu Right Lung”means receiving the influenza vaccine (flu shot) in the left arm and the pneumococcal vaccine (pneumonia shot) in the right arm at the same time. Infection with seasonal influenza can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache. The most effective way to prevent influenza is through vaccination.
Since the peak seasons for influenza and pneumonia overlap, and influenza infection significantly increases the risk of developing bacterial community-acquired pneumonia, patients may face a “double attack.” Secondary bacterial pneumonia can even lead to death in influenza patients. Therefore, the government recommends that the public should protect themselves not only from influenza but also from pneumococcal infection.

2. When should vaccination be done to prepare for the seasonal influenza peak period?

In Hong Kong, the winter flu season generally occurs from the end of the year to the beginning of the following year. Those at high risk for pneumococcal infection include young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Pneumococcal infection can cause serious diseases such as otitis media, pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis.
As it takes about 2–4 weeks for antibodies to develop, the Centre for Health Protection recommends that eligible individuals receive both the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines as soon as possible to prevent the “double attack” and protect their health.

3. Who is eligible for free government-subsidized vaccination?
Eligible persons for the seasonal influenza vaccine include:

• Individuals aged 50 or above
  Other eligible groups: please click here

Eligible persons for the pneumococcal vaccine include:

• Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above (different vaccines may be provided depending on the situation; please ask the staff for details)
  Other eligible groups: please click here.

^New subsidy eligibility criteria for 2025–26.

4. If I am eligible, how can I participate in the government-subsidized influenza and pneumococcal vaccination programs?
You can visit any Human Health Medical Centre to arrange free vaccination under the government subsidy program for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

Please refer to the “Find Us and Booking” button at the top right corner of this webpage for details of each medical centre.

5. If I am not eligible for government-subsidized flu and pneumonia shots, how can I pay privately to get vaccinated?
Anyone may receive the influenza or pneumococcal vaccine on a self-paid basis. You can purchase and schedule vaccination appointments through the Human Health online store. You may also arrange vaccinations for your family and friends.

6. Want to learn more about the government’s vaccination subsidy programs?
For further information on government-subsidized vaccination programs, please visit:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/features/17980.html

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health