Replies to LegCo questions
LCQ9: Varicella vaccines
Following is a question by the Hon Albert Ho and a written reply by the
Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, in the Legislative Council today
(March 26):
Question:
It has been reported that the number of notified cases of varicella in Hong Kong
has been on the high side in recent years, and due to a persistent shortage of
varicella vaccines, quite a number of parents need to wait for a long time
before they can arrange for their children to be vaccinated in private clinics.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has planned to include varicella vaccines in
the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has contacted private clinics to understand the situation of
shortage in supply of varicella vaccines; if it has, of the details; if not, the
reasons for that;
(2) of the exact date on which the authorities will launch the varicella
vaccination programme; what measures the authorities will take to ensure an
adequate supply of vaccines at the commencement of the programme; and
(3) of the anticipated quantity of varicella vaccines to be purchased by the
authorities in 2014-2015, and the amount of expenditure involved?
Reply:
President,
(1) There are five varicella vaccines currently registered in Hong Kong. Two of
them are combined vaccines which also provide protection against measles, mumps
and rubella; the other three are vaccines which prevent varicella (chickenpox)
only. Of the three varicella-specific vaccines, one has ceased production
worldwide and another experienced a temporary shortage of supply at an earlier
juncture. Due to an increasing global demand for varicella vaccines in recent
years while supply is limited, pharmaceutical manufacturers may not be able to
meet the market demand in full on a timely basis.
The Department of Health (DH) has been monitoring the supply of varicella
vaccines and maintaining close communication with local suppliers and doctors'
associations.
(2) The DH has decided to incorporate varicella vaccine into the Hong Kong
Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) upon the recommendation of the
Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the Centre for Health
Protection. It is now carrying out preparatory work. Implementation details of
the programme will be announced within this year.
The relevant suppliers of varicella vaccines have pledged to secure a sufficient
supply of vaccines for Hong Kong. To ensure an adequate supply of varicella
vaccine after it has been incorporated into the HKCIP, the DH will enter into a
contract with the vaccine supplier and include the appropriate clauses and
requirements therein.
(3) The DH has drawn reference to the number of registered newborns in
determining the quantity of varicella vaccines to be procured. According to the
number of births in 2013, an estimated provision of $9.2 million has been made
for the procurement of varicella vaccines in 2014-15.
Ends/Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:50
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