In Hong Kong, flu season peaks twice a year: during the winter months (January to March) and the summer months (July to August). While some may think the flu is just a bad cold, it can actually lead to serious complications and, in severe cases, even death. Especially if you’re planning to travel in the future, getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the virus. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a flu shot in Hong Kong.
Flu vs Cold Symptoms
Influenza, or the flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Unlike a common cold, the flu can spread to the lungs and lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, myocarditis, worsening asthma, or even encephalitis. Symptoms are also more severe than those of a cold, and in some cases, hospitalization or death may occur.
In Hong Kong, the most common types of flu are Influenza A and B. Both share similar symptoms, including sore throat, fever, cough, and muscle or joint pain. However, Influenza A tends to be more severe and is more likely to cause complications, while Influenza B is generally milder.
What Are the Side Effects of the Flu Shot?
Like other vaccines, the flu shot may cause mild side effects within 6 to 12 hours after receiving your shot. These can include fever, muscle pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own within 1 to 2 days. However, if symptoms persist or if you experience rare or severe side effects (such as a severe allergic reaction), seek medical attention immediately. According to the Department of Health, common side effects of the flu vaccine include:
- Pain, redness, or hardening at the injection site
- Muscle pain and fatigue
- Fever, headache, chills, joint pain, nausea, or diarrhea
- Itching at the injection site (uncommon)
- Dizziness (uncommon)
- Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis (rare; seek medical help immediately)
- Annual Fee
- First Year Annual Fee Waiver
- Rebate on Overseas Spending & Local Dining
- Unlimited 2%
- Rebate on Local Spending
- Unlimited 1%
【🔥MoneySmart Exclusive: Up to HK$3,999 Rewards/ Free Cathay Pacific Flights!】
From now until 14 March 2025, New Customers who successfully applied for a designated Citi credit card via MoneySmart with eligible spending of HK$4,000 after card issuance, can enjoy one of the exclusive rewards:
・✈️ Round-trip Air Ticket from Hong Kong to Taipei/ Hanoi on Cathay Pacific, inclusive of 20kg baggage allowance (excluding tax and fuel surcharges) or
・[⚡️Limited-time Upgrade Offer!] HK$1,800 Apple Store Gift Card / PARKnSHOP Supermarket Voucher or
・BERMAS 26" Front-open Suitcase (Value: HK$3,999) or
・🆕 PHILIPS RO Water Dispenser ADD6910/90 (Value: HK$2,788) or
・SONY WF-1000XM5 Earbuds (Value: HK$2,490) or
・GHD PLATINUM+ Styler (Value: HK$2,295)!
Trivalent vs Quadrivalent vaccines: what’s the difference?
Flu vaccines in Hong Kong come in two main types: inactivated flu vaccines (given via injection) and live-attenuated flu vaccines (administered as a nasal spray). Both are effective, but they work slightly differently.
Currently, injectable flu vaccines in Hong Kong are available in two forms: trivalent and quadrivalent. Trivalent vaccines protect against the most common flu strains, while quadrivalent vaccines offer additional protection against Influenza B. The nasal spray vaccine, on the other hand, is only available as a quadrivalent option.
How Much Does the Flu Shot Cost?
Eligible individuals, such as seniors and high-risk groups (details below), can get a free flu shot through the government’s vaccination program. For those not covered by the program, flu vaccines are available at private clinics for a fee. You can visit the clinic or hospital’s vaccination webpage or call/WhatsApp to make an appointment.
| Hospital/ clinic | Price (injection) |
| Bowtie & JP Health | HK$320 |
| HKSH Healthcare | HK$500 |
| Gleneagles Healthcare | HK$268 |
| Canossa Hospital | HK$480 |
| Lok Sin Tong | HK$260 |
| Quality HealthCare | HK$255 |
| Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas) | HK$268 |
| UMP HK | HK$300 |
| medtimes | HK$420 |
.jpg)
- Cash back on spending at Klook
- Up to 5%
- Cash back at Designated Merchants
- Up to 5%
- MoneySmart Exclusive Offer
- HK$2,798
【🌟Double the Excitement: Apply now and get up to HK$HK$1,998 Rewards from MoneySmart!】
From now until 31 March 2025, New Cardholders who successfully apply for Standard Chartered Smart Card now via MoneySmart to enjoy one of the following extra gifts:
・ JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker (Value: HK$1,998)
・ OSIM uCozy V V Neck & Shoulder Massager (Value: HK$1,780)
・ Rollink Flex (VEGA II) Collapsible Carry-On Suitcase (21inch) (Value: HK$1,299)
・ 🆕 HK$700 Deliveroo Voucher + 12-month Deliveroo Plus Silver Membership Package (Value: HK$1,426)
・ HK$800 Apple Store Gift Card/ PARKnSHOP Supermarket Vouchers
9 Groups Eligible for Free Flu Vaccinations
The government launches an annual flu vaccination program, and the 2024/25 seasonal flu vaccination program began on September 26, 2024. Free or subsidized flu shots are available for eligible individuals. The following nine groups qualify:
- People aged 50 or above
- Children and adolescents aged 6 months to under 18 years
- Pregnant women (who are current patients or service users of government hospitals)
- Residents of elderly care homes (excluding day center users)
- Residents of disability care homes
- Individuals aged 18 to 49 with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, or long-term illnesses receiving CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance)
- Healthcare workers (employed by the Hospital Authority, Department of Health, nursing homes, residential childcare centers, or designated intellectual disability service providers)
- Poultry workers
- Individuals working in pig farming or pork slaughtering
These high-risk groups, specific occupations, and individuals with chronic illnesses can benefit from the “Government Vaccination Program.” They can receive free flu shots at private clinics registered under the “Vaccine Subsidy Scheme,” vaccination sites under the Hospital Authority, or related institutions.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for reference only and does not constitute any form of disease prevention/treatment recommendation, endorsement of medical institutions, or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical or health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
- Miles Conversion(Eligible spending on Cathay and HK Express)
- HK$2=1 mile
- Miles Conversion (Eligible spending on dining, hotels and overseas category)
- HK$4 = 1 mile
- Bank Welcome Offer
- 40,000 miles
【 ✈️ Miles and More: Additional branded gifts from MoneySmart!】
From now until 31 March 2025, new cardholders who successfully apply for Standard Chartered Cathy Mastercard now via MoneySmart to get one of the following gifts:
・Denon PerL AH-C10PL True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Value: HK$1,580)
・Oral-B iO Series 3 Electric Toothbrush (Value: HK$1,299)
・🆕 SONY ULT FIELD 1 Wireless Portable Speaker (Value: HK$999)
・HK$800 Deliveroo Voucher + 12-month Deliveroo Plus Silver Membership Package (Value: HK$1,526)
・HK$900 Apple Store Gift Card/ PARKnSHOP Supermarket Voucher
Related articles
Wanna enjoy a peaceful moment in lounge while waiting for your flight? Check out the top credit cards with unlimited airport lounge access here!
Yearning to stretch your wings and soar the skies with your accumulated miles? Dive into our blog post to unravel the mysteries of multifaceted mileage programs!
Wanna stay ahead of the herd? Let’s check out the MoneySmart blog for more financial tips!
MoneySmart—Your One-Stop Financial Products Platform
Homepage: www.moneysmart.hk/en/