Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ19: Childhood immunisation programme

Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (January 24):

Question:

In reply to my question on November 2, 2005 regarding the vaccination of babies and infants, the Government stated that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (the Committee) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) "is reviewing scientific information concerning the use of a combined vaccine, among others, and will make recommendations in respect of vaccine schedules and combinations among various options, having regard to their relative performance and cost-effectiveness". Subsequently, DH announced in this month that it would launch an updated Childhood Immunisation Programme (CIP) in February 2007 and would adopt a new 4-in-1 combination vaccine. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) given that some paediatricians have pointed out that a 5-in-1 combination vaccine, which has fewer adverse reactions than the 4-in-1 combination vaccine and is also effective against meningitis, has been introduced by quite a number of private medical practitioners some four or five years ago, and a 6-in-1 combination vaccine is known to be available in the market, whether, before it decided to adopt the 4-in-1 combination vaccine, it has considered adopting the aforesaid combination vaccines and studied their efficacy; if it has studied, of the specific results; if it has not, the reasons for that;

(b) of the factors taken into consideration in determining whether new types of vaccines should be included in the CIP (together with the details), and the specific reasons for introducing the 4-in-1 combination vaccine; and

(c) given that the Government has been using the existing combination of vaccines for many years despite the advent of a number of new and more effective combinations of acellular vaccines (e.g. vaccines which require fewer injections, have fewer adverse reactions but are effective against more diseases), whether it has reviewed if the current mode of operation of the Committee enables it to keep up with the rapid development of medical and pharmacological technologies and to make timely recommendations?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (the Committee) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) conducts scientific assessments of new vaccines and combination vaccines (including vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) or Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause meningitis) from time to time. Early last year, DH commissioned a local university to carry out a study on the cost-effectiveness of incorporating the relevant vaccines into the Childhood Immunisation Programme. The study is expected to complete later this year. In light of the findings of the study and other scientific data, the Committee will review the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Hong Kong.

(b) In considering whether to include a new vaccine in the Childhood Immunisation Programme, DH needs to take into account a number of scientific factors including epidemiology (such as incidence and fatality rates), disease burden, as well as the safety, efficacy, side effects, cost-effectiveness, supply of the vaccine, etc. The acceptance of the vaccine among the public, the availability of other preventive measures, and the administrative arrangements for vaccination are also important factors for consideration.

DH considered the recommendations of the Committee and decided to introduce a combined diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus vaccines (DTaP-IPV) in the new Childhood Immunisation Programme with effect from February this year to replace the existing oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine. The OPV was widely used before the eradication of poliomyelitis, but it may cause paralytic poliomyelitis which is a very rare side effect. Since poliomyelitis eradication has been achieved in the Western Pacific Region, the use of the inactivated poliovirus vaccine can prevent this serious side effect. Besides, in view of the decrease in the global production of wP vaccine which will affect its supply to Hong Kong, DH has decided to replace it with acellular pertussis vaccine which has the same immune efficacy as wP vaccine but with fewer side effects.

(c) The Committee evaluates new vaccines on a regular basis. In reviewing the Childhood Immunisation Programme and the use of vaccines, the Committee also takes into consideration the local epidemiological data and situation, as well as the recommendations of other health organisations (such as the World Health Organization, and those of developed countries and neighbouring regions) before making recommendations to the Administration. The Committee operates effectively and will continue to closely monitor the new developments in the area of vaccines and conduct regular reviews in order to make the most suitable recommendations for Hong Kong.


Ends/Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:15

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