A senior health official has expressed concern about a prolonged influenza season and declining vaccination rates in Hong Kong following the death of a second unvaccinated child from the virus. The current flu season, which began in June, shows no signs of abating, prompting warnings of increased infection risk.

Dr. Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, highlighted that more than 900,000 doses of the flu vaccine have been administered since September 17, representing a roughly 10 percent decrease compared to the same period last year when 1 million doses were given. He noted that while last year’s flu season had largely ended by the 18th week, the city is currently at week 16 with continued virus activity, suggesting a longer season in 2026.

Tsui attributed this potential extension to a shift in the dominant virus strain and flagged concerns about reduced vaccination rates among children aged two to 11, whose uptake has dropped approximately five percentage points from last year. Elderly residents living at home have also seen a decline in vaccination coverage by about 1.8 percentage points, though vaccine uptake among those in care homes has increased by around three percentage points.

Historically, Hong Kong's influenza outbreaks have been concentrated during the winter months, with summer outbreaks occurring in only about half of the past decade. However, the city has now experienced two consecutive summers with significant flu activity. Tsui emphasized that this change in the virus’s transmission pattern following the Covid-19 pandemic requires further scientific investigation.

The recent child fatality involved a 12-year-old girl with underlying health conditions who succumbed to influenza A complications. She initially developed symptoms including fever, cough, and diarrhea last Saturday, followed by vomiting. The infection progressed to septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multi-organ failure, leading to her death on Tuesday. This marks the second child fatality associated with influenza A during the current season.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the city grapples with an altered flu season and urges higher vaccination coverage to mitigate risks amid ongoing viral circulation.