Unvaccinated girl’s flu death a reminder of need for community protection

The case should prompt schools and families to focus efforts on vaccinating children as soon as possible as flu seasons overlap Alarm bells ...

The case should prompt schools and families to focus efforts on vaccinating children as soon as possible as flu seasons overlap

Alarm bells were already ringing in Hong Kong before the death of a teenage girl from the flu over the weekend. The case must refocus schools and families on the urgent task of getting children vaccinated as soon as possible while strengthening control measures. The 13-year-old, who attended TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College in Ma On Shan, died on Sunday after contracting influenza B. It was the first paediatric flu-related death reported in the city this year amid a sharp rise in outbreaks in schools since September.

Including Sunday's fatality, there have been nine severe paediatric influenza cases involving children aged 3 to 17 so far this school year. Eight had no prior health issues. The Centre for Health Protection said on Tuesday that about 70 outbreaks had been recorded weekly during the past month, far exceeding last winter's peak of around 15, indicating that the virus has been very active this season. The summer flu season is also expected to last into November and overlap with the winter flu season, which arrives with colder weather.

Health experts warn that serious complications can arise from seasonal flu and that jabs are the most effective way to reduce the risks of infection or serious cases. The teenager who died was vaccinated last year under the government seasonal influenza vaccination programme but had not yet received the 2025-26 jab.

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The Department of Health said about 99 per cent of schools were arranging vaccinations for students. Some 58 per cent are set to do so by the end of October and more than 93 per cent by the end of November. While rates are higher than last year, the department has urged institutions to try to advance inoculation arrangements where feasible.

Some health experts have reminded parents that they can also get children vaccinated through other ways, such as private doctors. Masks in crowded spaces and vigilance in personal hygiene, including frequent hand cleaning, have also been suggested.

Hong Kong is not alone. Outbreaks have also been reported in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand amid global concerns about the virus evolving and spreading more readily. Everyone must do their part to protect the community, especially the young and the old.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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