Why You Should Get A Covid-19 Vaccine and How to Get One
Date Posted: 13/05/2021
Hong Kong has seen a surge in the number of cases of Covid-19 (a virus that causes flu-like symptoms). In response, officials have urged residents to get a covid vaccine. This article will discuss why you should get a covid vaccine and how to find one.
Hong Kong residents are urged to seek the covid vaccine through either the health department or private clinics around town.
Which covid-19 vaccines are available in Hong Kong?
The Hong Kong government has chosen to procure 3 out of more than 10 COVID-19 vaccines:
1. The Sinovac Biotech (Hong Kong Limited) CoronaVac vaccine based on an inactivated virus.
2. The Fosun Pharma in collaboration with the German drug manufacturer BioNTech(BNT162b2) vaccine using mRNA technology.
3. The AstraZeneca in collaboration with the University of Oxford (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine using a non-replicating viral vector (government announced to suspend shipments for 2021).
Where can you get vaccinated in Hong Kong?
The most popular choice is the Sinovac Biotech (Hong Kong Limited) CoronaVac vaccine based on an inactivated virus, which can be found at private and public hospitals such as HKUH, Princess Margaret Hospital, Pokfulam Medical Centre etc.
You can find a list here of all centers you can get the Covid-19 Vaccine here: https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_CVC_Venues.pdf
How long will it take for me to get a covid-19 vaccine?
You should allow about four weeks' time before COVID-19 infection happens or if there is no imminent risk of being exposed to this disease.
How to book an appointment for the vaccine?
You can book an appointment with the hospital or clinic of your choice by calling their hotline, emailing them, or visiting their website or going to the Hong Kong Government vaccine page: https://booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp
Cost of the Covid 19 Vaccine
This vaccine is free of charge and available for all residents of Hong Kong and Foreign Domestic Workers.
Does your helper health insurance cover it?
In case of side effects, it is still covered by Domestic Helper insurance. If you do not have insurance, the employer is responsible for the helper's medical expenses.
Many people in Hong Kong, especially Foreign Domestic Helpers have become fearful of the vaccine, especially after hearing about the side effects and deaths that have occurred. What we all must keep in mind is the many survivors who have been through the vaccine process.
The vaccine has become an important next step for Hong Kong and the world in our fight against the Covid-19 Virus.