Hong Kong gov’t speeds up vaccine rollout in new campaign

The “Early Vaccination for All” campaign is meant to raise vaccination rate until August.

The Hong Kong government has launched the “Early Vaccination for All” campaign in its bid to raise the vaccination rate in the city from now until end of August.

The campaign will allow government employees to take a day of vaccination leave for each dose they receive; while those who have already been inoculated by the vaccine are entitled to authorised absence until 31 March 2022 for each dose.

“The most important - if not the only - way for Hong Kong to get through the epidemic is large-scale vaccination of the public to build an immune barrier for the entire community,” Chief Executive Carrie Lam said.

“In fact, there has been an obvious decrease in the number of confirmed cases and the death toll in a number of countries or cities with high vaccination rates and the relevant social distancing measures are being relaxed gradually."

As of 31 May, around 2.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since the programme was rolled out in 26 February.  Around 1.37 million have received their first dose, whilst more than 1 million have received their second jab.

"To further encourage members of the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to express gratitude to those who have been vaccinated for their support in fighting the virus, the Government and different sectors in the community will roll out various measures and reward programmes,” Chief Executive Lam said.

She added she has reached out to over 100 developers, retailer associations, employer federations and associations of Chinese fellow townsmen to appeal for their support for the campaign.

The government has received support from the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which have both offered their staff leaves to take their vaccines.