Press Release
For Immediate Release

New Generation Comirnaty Omicron XBB COVID-19 Vaccine
Now Available at Virtus Medical

 

(Hong Kong, 12 Dec, 2023) Hong Kong residents can now access the highly anticipated new generation Comirnaty Omicron XBB COVID-19 vaccine at Virtus Medical. This advanced vaccine, designed to provide enhanced protection, targets the prevalent variants XBB, as well as the overseas circulating variants EG.2.1 and BA.2.86. To minimize complications, safeguard public health, and counter viral strain mutations, individuals can now book appointments online for self-financed vaccinations at Virtus Medical’s Central and Tsim Sha Tsui vaccination centres.

Ms. Au Yeung, a 94-year-old resident, became the first person in Hong Kong to receive the XBB COVID-19 vaccine. Accompanied by her two daughters, they visited the Virtus Vaccination Centre in Central for the administration. Remarkably, all three of them have remained uninfected thus far, and this marks their sixth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ms Chan, one of the daughters, shared her thoughts, saying, “It has been a year since our last vaccination, and we are concerned that the protective efficacy of the antibodies may have diminished. Considering our upcoming overseas trip at the end of the year, we decided to get vaccinated two weeks before departure.” Ms Chan believes that getting vaccinated not only protects oneself but also fulfils a social responsibility by reducing the risk of virus transmission.

Mr. Luk Che-Chung, Vice Chairman of Virtus Medical Group, highlighted the diminishing effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine over time, especially with the emergence of new variants worldwide, which significantly reduces population immunity against the coronavirus. Since the relaxation of pandemic measures earlier this year, the number of individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in Hong Kong has declined significantly. In light of the recent increase in locally confirmed cases, Dr. Kwok Po-Yin Samuel, Medical Director of Virtus Medical, urges the public to remain highly vigilant. He emphasized, "The Christmas and New Year holidays are a potential period for intensified spread of respiratory infections. Even for those not planning to travel abroad, considering the well-being of themselves and their families, it is advisable to receive both the XBB COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine."

The Hospital Authority has reported a slight rise in cases of COVID-19 and influenza, highlighting the circulation of various respiratory diseases. Contracting both COVID-19 and influenza increases the risk of severe complications and mortality. Conversely, receiving the influenza vaccine can reduce hospitalization rates and shorten stays. Dr. Kwok encourages citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated as early as possible, ensuring their bodies have sufficient antibodies to combat winter influenza and the variant strains of COVID-19.

Virtus Medical now offers the XBB COVID-19 vaccine to replace the existing bivalent vaccine. Furthermore, Virtus Medical also participates in the government's vaccination program. Once the government announces further details, eligible individuals can receive the vaccine free of charge at Virtus Medical's vaccination centres.

About Virtus Medical Group

Established in early 2018, Virtus Medical Group upholds the vision of developing an evidence-based healthcare practice with a patient-first culture, providing services to the citizens of Hong Kong, Macau, the Greater Bay, and other cities in China. Virtus brings together more than 60 doctors of different disciplines, more than 40 general practitioners and allied health professionals to offer a multidisciplinary medical approach across different stages of a complete health cycle – Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation. Virtus provides its services from Virtus Medical Tower, a 15-storey medical facility located in the heart of Central, together with 11 specialist centres and two multidisciplinary medical centres across Central and Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong. Website: www.virtusmedical.com

 

Media Contact﹕

Ms. Anna Lee       Phone: 91501890  / Email﹕annaswlee@gmail.com