Vaccine Pass To Be Extended To Kids Aged 5-11

Health officials said on Thursday children aged five and above will be included in the government's vaccine pass scheme.

Dr Chuang Shuk-kwan from the Centre for Health Protection said at a daily Covid briefing that the government will announce details next week.

"We would like to encourage the children to receive vaccination as soon as possible, especially before the winter season. The government is planning to reduce the age limit of the vaccine pass to five years old," she said.

Chuang added that there will be a grace period of two months.

Civil Service Secretary Ingrid Yeung, who's in charge of the government's vaccination drive, said earlier in the day that the move was being considered. "As to whether to lower the age [requirement] for the vaccine pass, we consider all methods to boost the vaccination rate," she said.

Currently, only people aged 12 and above are required to have proof of vaccination or an exemption under the pass scheme, which covers among other places, restaurants, malls, supermarkets, markets, swimming pools, sports premises, places of worship and hairdressers.

A parent surnamed Leung expressed reservations about the extended scheme. "I'm afraid a lot of parents will have concerns to get their kids vaccinated," he said.

"A lot of schools don't allow kids to have mobile devices with them. Young kids normally use their parents' mobile phones. If we have to buy them a separate phone, it may be troublesome."

Nine-year-old Lyanne told RTHK she's already double-jabbed, so she's not worried about being covered by the vaccine pass.

"My parents are fully vaccinated and I got two doses... but my best friend hasn't taken her vaccination yet. She said she won't be able to go to any restaurants. I feel really bad for her," she said.