Month: August 2026

SED officiates at opening ceremony of new school premises of Tai Po Baptist Public School     
     Dr Choi said that the relocation of TPBPS to its new premises at Fu Shin Estate is not merely a change of location, but also a significant moment for all teachers and students to reunite and embark on a new page together. The new school premises not only represent a safe, stable and conducive learning environment created through the collaborative efforts of all parties for teachers and students, but also embody the professionalism and perseverance of the principal and staff, the efforts of the students, and the support of parents, fellow schools and the wider community.

     To ensure that TPBPS can operate in the new premises at Fu Shin Estate as scheduled in the new school year, the Education Bureau (EDB) proactively took forward the renovation works, and the premises were delivered in accordance with the standards applicable to new school premises, with a view to meeting the school’s needs. The works included refurbishment of the external walls, classrooms, toilets and the assembly hall, resurfacing of the ball court, and replacement of electrical units, air-conditioning units and the lift, among other items. The total estimated cost of the aforesaid works and the subsidy for the school to procure additional furniture and equipment (including network and communication facilities) is about $43.6 million. In addition, the EDB has set aside a one-off grant of $1 million for TPBPS to meet expenses related to its relocation to the new premises at Fu Shin Estate for supporting the school’s smooth relocation to the new school premises.Issued at HKT 11:30

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HA commences seasonal influenza vaccination programme      ​The list of public hospitals and outpatient clinics providing vaccinations is set out in Annex 2.

     Eligible patients may receive vaccinations at their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with distant follow-up appointment dates may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements. Individuals aged 18 or above should register with eHealth before receiving vaccinations.Issued at HKT 14:45

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Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes to commence on September 17 – Get vaccinated early to build immunity barrier to protect yourself and your family 
Influenza activity in Hong Kong remains at a relatively high level
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     “Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June and influenza activity continued to rise from July through mid-August. According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity remains high. Owing to influenza transmission in the community in recent months and the substantial rise in infections, the number of severe cases has increased accordingly. We anticipate that influenza activity will remain at a high level during the initial period of the new school year, with possible influenza outbreaks in schools. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures. So far the severe cases in this influenza season primarily affect the elderly and children. A total of 11 severe paediatric cases have been recorded. Among these cases, six patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, one patient is in stable condition, one is in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away. The overall situation in the current influenza season is comparable to that of previous influenza seasons, and we must keep vigilant,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
     “The influenza viruses currently circulating in Hong Kong are mainly influenza A (H1), followed by influenza A (H3). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has conducted viral genetic analyses of influenza cases and confirmed that the predominant influenza virus strains are similar to those circulating in other regions of the world, with no evidence of causing a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs so far. The four types of vaccines 
Data from last season confirmed a significantly higher risk of severe illness or death among unvaccinated persons
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     Over 2.03 million doses of vaccines were administered under the various SIV Programmes in the previous year (2025/26), with overall coverage rates of the target population remaining similar to those of the preceding year. Among children and adolescents, the SIV rate for persons aged six months to under 18 years currently reached 64.8 per cent, which is 13 percentage points higher than the average for the same period over the past three seasons (51.7 per cent). The vaccination rate for adolescents aged 12 to under 18 years reached 61.4 per cent, representing a substantial increase of 22.6 percentage points compared with the average for the same period over the past three seasons (38.8 per cent). Under the SIVSOP, more than 2 300 schools (representing 99 per cent of all schools) completed SIV outreach activities by the end of December 2025, up from 91 per cent in the preceding year. The number of doses of nasal spray vaccines (live attenuated influenza vaccine) administered also rose significantly, from 27 000 doses in 2024/25 to more than 48 000 doses in 2025/26, representing a nearly 80 per cent increase.
 
     “The CHP conducted an in-depth analysis of the relationship between influenza-related serious cases and SIV during the influenza season from September to December last year. The data shows that the rate of severe complications or death after contracting seasonal influenza was about five times higher among unvaccinated children than among vaccinated children. Similarly, the rate of severe complications among residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for elderly who did not receive the SIV last year was approximately four times higher than among vaccinated residents. SIV is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to prevent serious cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. It can also reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death after infection,” Dr Tsui said. 
 
Continuous improvement to facilitate vaccination
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     The Government has introduced a number of enhancement measures last year to promote SIV, which were generally well-received by the public and the healthcare sector. This year, the Government continues to optimise SIV services in order to further facilitate members of the public in receiving SIV:
      Starting from last year, eligible individuals aged 18 or above must register for eHealth to join the SIV Programmes or receive subsidised SIV. Members of public can make use of the eHealth mobile app to review their vaccination and personal health records for health self-management, and to facilitate continuity of care services by healthcare professionals. Members of the public who have yet to register for an eHealth account should do so as soon as possible.
      A stable vaccine supply is an important foundation for the successful implementation of the SIV Programmes. This year, through an enhanced procurement process, the Government has introduced different suppliers to provide seasonal influenza vaccines from different technology platforms. These comprise two inactivated influenza vaccines, one nasal spray vaccine and one recombinant influenza vaccine, so as to meet the vaccination needs of different age and risk groups. This diversified, non-single-supplier procurement approach helps mitigate supply-chain risks, ensure the reliability and sustainability of vaccine sources, and provide greater flexibility in vaccine use, with a view to encouraging uptake.
      The Government has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature this year. Members of the public already registered for eHealth accounts can submit their e-consent forms via the eHealth mobile app starting from September 17, and get vaccinated afterwards at a private clinic joining the VSS, enabling a paperless experience.
 
     Regarding the SIVSOP, the DH has held several online briefings for participating schools and medical professionals since early June to explain the details of the e-consent forms. Parents already registered with eHealth accounts can submit the e-consent forms for their children via the eHealth mobile app starting from August 17, well before the start of the school year. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools.
      With the experience gained from the Pilot Scheme in 2025/26, the Government continues to implement the Pilot Scheme in 2026/27 to further enhance the stability of the vaccine supply in the private market. Strengthened measures to be launched this year include:
      The DH is actively collaborating with the District Councils and the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) to encourage the organisation of vaccination activities in the community. As of August 30, the District Councils and the Care Teams have planned over 100 outreach vaccination activities over the next two months. Furthermore, the CHP has also strengthened interdepartmental collaborations, including partnerships with the Social Welfare Department and the Hong Kong Housing Society to promote SIV outreach activities at district elderly community centres, neighbourhood elderly centres and elderly housing projects, with an aim of expanding the protection barrier in society.
 
Vaccination venues located territory-wide
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     To facilitate members of the public in receiving vaccinations, the Government will continue to open all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) under the DH for all children aged six months to under two years. The number of vaccination venues provided by the District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses and their service points under the Primary Healthcare Commission has increased from 25 to 45. In addition, 76 Family Medicine Clinics and 38 public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will also provide vaccination services. For the list of vaccination venues, please refer to the CHP’s Vaccination Schemes page. Starting from 9am on September 14, parents/guardians of eligible children may book a vaccination appointment for their children at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.
 
     Furthermore, over 1 200 private doctors have participated in the VSS currently, providing services at over 1 900 service points across all districts in Hong Kong. For the list of VSS doctors, please visit apps.hcv.gov.hk/public/en/SPS/Search 
     Dr Tsui reminded public that all people aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV every year for personal protection. Those who have contracted influenza in the past few months should also get vaccinated. Hong Kong typically experiences an influenza season during the first quarter of every year. SIV provides a certain degree of cross-protection against different but related virus strains. It takes two weeks for the body to develop sufficient antibodies after receiving SIV. Therefore, members of the public should get vaccinated as early as possible. Eligible groups and public venues offering free SIVs are listed in the annex.
 
     For more information on the SIV Programmes, please visit the Vaccination Schemes pageIssued at HKT 12:28

Temporary suspension of LCSD’s Mobile Library 1, 5 and 10 services 
     Mobile Library 5 will suspend services from September 14 to 19. The affected service points are Hin Keng Estate, Kam Tai Court, Mei Tin Estate, Yan On Estate in Sha Tin; Yee Ming Estate and Mang Kung Uk Road in Sai Kung; and Fu Shin Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. For enquiries about Mobile Library 5 services, please call 2696 5842.
 
     Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:00

Inland Revenue Department responds to Ombudsman’s direct investigation report on “Unsuccessful Delivery of Electronic Tax Returns Submitted by Members of the Public to Inland Revenue Department” 
     The IRD expressed gratitude to the Ombudsman for its review of the submission of electronic tax returns by members of the public. The IRD accepts all recommendations put forward by the Ombudsman and has actively followed up on their implementation, with the majority of them having already commenced or been completed. The situation mentioned in the report mainly concerns taxpayers’ submission of tax returns last year. With new enhancement measures already put in place before the issuance of the individual tax returns for the year of assessment 2025/26 in May 2026, the IRD has not received similar complaints from taxpayers thereafter.
 
     The IRD is highly concerned that some taxpayers, after completing the digital signing via “iAM Smart” while filing their tax returns through eTAX last year, did not return from “iAM Smart” to eTAX to complete the entire tax return filing process due to factors such as user actions, status of browsers or mobile devices, or network anomalies or interruptions, resulting in the tax returns not being submitted to the IRD.
 
     The IRD actively initiated follow-up actions and enhanced the system and workflow after receiving reports from taxpayers last year, and has been fully co-operating with the Ombudsman during its direct investigation.
 
     Following a joint review by the IRD and the Digital Policy Office (DPO) on the relevant procedures, the following measures were launched prior to the bulk issuance of individual tax returns this May:
 
(1) A pop-up message has been added to eTAX to remind users that they must return to the eTAX system to complete the tax return filing process after completing the digital signing via “iAM Smart”;
 
(2) Users who have successfully submitted their tax returns will receive confirmation messages in their eTAX message boxes;
 
(3) The message displayed on the relevant confirmation page, as well as the “iAM Smart” electronic notifications and emails sent to users following the completion of digital signing via “iAM Smart”, have been enhanced to remind taxpayers to return to the eTAX system to complete the tax return filing process; and
 
(4) Information entered by users in eTAX will be temporarily saved automatically. This arrangement will save users the trouble of re-entering tax return details should they need to perform again the relevant process when they fail to sign or submit their tax returns for various reasons.
 
     According to records, between May last year and this January, about 490 000 people had used “iAM Smart” to sign their individual tax returns via eTAX, and among them, over 90 per cent of them successfully submitted their tax returns upon their first attempt using “iAM Smart” to sign their tax returns. As for the about 33 000 taxpayers who failed to submit their tax returns upon their first attempt using “iAM Smart” to sign their tax returns mentioned in the press report, about 80 per cent of them had reused “iAM Smart” to sign and submit their tax returns successfully before the IRD issued penalty notices and/or notices of estimated assessment. Furthermore, among the abovementioned 33 000 taxpayers, about 14 000 taxpayers used “iAM Smart” again to sign and successfully submit their tax returns on the very same day they had made their initial attempt.
 
     The IRD sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused to taxpayers by this incident and is actively following up on the relevant cases. The IRD emphasises that no taxpayers will be penalised due to the aforementioned incident. Penalty remissions will be granted and penalty payments will be refunded for taxpayers who filed their tax returns after the submission deadline as a result of the incident. The IRD has notified the relevant taxpayers via eTAX regarding the arrangements for the refunds of penalties. The two prosecutions related to the incident have also been withdrawn.
 
     The IRD has also been processing cases requesting revisions of assessments. Furthermore, for cases where taxpayers received notices of estimated assessments but did not request a revision, the IRD will issue letters to the relevant taxpayers before mid-September to remind them that if they consider the assessments failed to take into account the information provided in their tax returns, they may apply for a revision of assessments, and the IRD will process the applications as soon as possible.
 
     The IRD has been committed to driving the digitalisation of taxation and the continuous enhancement of electronic tax services. It will continue to fully leverage information technology to provide taxpayers with a more convenient and user-friendly experience. It will continue to explore further enhancements of the business process of eTAX, and will discuss with the DPO relevant connection mechanisms with “iAM Smart”, with a view to providing even better electronic tax services to members of the public. It will also enhance the electronic demonstrations for electronic tax return filing provided on its website (New Tax Portals Learning Resources Centre 
     The IRD will strengthen its staff’s sensitivity and vigilance. Apart from providing immediate assistance to resolve issues raised in public enquiries, prompt follow-up actions should be taken where systemic problems are detected.
Issued at HKT 18:00

Latest privilege offers of LCSD Museum Pass 
     Under the new round of offers, Museum Pass holders can enjoy a five per cent discount off the published price for the purchase of a “Magic Access” of Hong Kong Disneyland Park (Note 1), while “Magic Access” holders can enjoy a 10 per cent discount for the purchase of a Museum Pass during the promotion period. The discount offer in collaboration with Ocean Park Hong Kong remains the same where Museum Pass holders can enjoy a 10 per cent discount off the published price for the purchase of an Ocean Park Annual Membership (Note 2), while Ocean Park Annual Membership holders can enjoy a 10 per cent discount for the purchase of a Museum Pass during the promotion period.
 
     At present, Museum Pass holders enjoy a wide range of privileges. Special offers for venues and activities under the LCSD include: