Infectious diseases specialist calls for earlier vaccination after 13-year-old girl's death
發佈日期: 2025-10-13 19:59
TVB News
A 13-year-old girl passed away in hospital yesterday following an influenza B infection.
An infectious diseases specialist said this season's influenza virus is spreading rapidly and the government should consider liaising with pharmaceutical companies to provide vaccines more quickly.
The 13-year-old attended TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College in Ma On Shan where many pupils put their masks on when heading to the school this morning, with some already receiving seasonal flu vaccines.
Their school has taken extra precautionary measures, such as undergoing a thorough cleansing and cancelling morning assembly.
Some students expressed their condolences by leaving bouquets of white flowers on the deceased's desk.
This student said she couldn't stop crying, adding that almost every classmate was shocked to hear about the death.
Another student recounted visiting the her classmate at the hospital, and seeing her being inserted with many plastic tubes in bed. She said it was so sad to see how the girl suffered.
The deceased was vaccinated under the government's 2024/25 vaccination programme, but did not receive the jab for the current influenza season.
This was because the school arranged the vaccination for next month.
Meanwhile, at least three more students in the school also develop slight symptoms of flu.
Advisory committee on communicable diseases of the Hong Kong Medical Association Dr. Tsang Kay-yan said this season's influenza virus is spreading rapidly when compared to previous years.
He believes the government should consider liaising with pharmaceutical companies to provide vaccines quicker in order to keep pace with the current situation.
