Updated information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vaccines

1. Government reminds members of public commencement of Vaccine Pass third stage next Tuesday

The third stage of the Vaccine Pass will commence next Tuesday (May 31). The Government reminds members of the public who are not yet compliant with the requirement of the third stage of the Vaccine Pass to receive the respective dosage of vaccine before May 31. At the same time, other members of the public who are eligible to receive the third dose should receive the third dose as soon as possible in order to strengthen protection early. There is no need for them to wait until the six-month grace period under the Vaccine Pass expired.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/26/P2022052600697.htm

2. Government to implement Vaccine Pass arrangement in designated healthcare premises

To strengthen the immunity barrier for hospitals and public healthcare facilities against COVID-19, protect members of the public who utilise public healthcare services, especially senior citizens and chronic patients who face a higher risk of serious illness and death after COVID-19 infection, and further encourage members of the public to receive COVID-19 vaccination, the Government announced that starting from June 13, the Vaccine Pass arrangement will be implemented in designated healthcare premises under the Food and Health Bureau, the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) through administrative methods. Persons who are unvaccinated will be allowed to visit applicable healthcare premises under the Vaccine Pass and receive general medical services after obtaining the negative result proof of a nucleic acid test. The Vaccine Pass arrangement will not be applicable to healthcare premises providing emergency or urgent medical services.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/21/P2022052100421.htm

3. Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened an online meeting, joined by the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel (EAP) on May 19, to discuss the use of a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine in adults aged 18 to 59 years in Hong Kong. The updated consensus interim recommendations have been published on May 20.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/20/P2022052000284.htm

4. Persons aged 18 to 59 may choose to receive fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The Government announced that uninfected individuals aged 18 to 59 who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure or with personal needs may choose to receive a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine from now on, no matter they have received the BioNTech or the Sinovac vaccine for their previous doses.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/21/P2022052000831.htm

5. Government updates list of places of recognised vaccination records

The Government announced that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Namibia to accept vaccination records issued by Namibia as recognised vaccination records for persons arriving at Hong Kong who have stayed in overseas places. The relevant arrangements take effect at 0.00am on May 25.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/23/P2022052300674.htm

6. Two more designated quarantine hotels enlisted

The Government announced the addition of two more designated quarantine hotels (DQHs). These two hotels will start accepting room bookings from late May onwards and commence service from early June. They are expected to provide about 600 additional rooms.
For details, refer to: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202205/25/P2022052500678.htm

More information on COVID-19 vaccines:

https://www.covidvaccine.gov.hk/en/

Department of Health