Health authorities in Hong Kong are reiterating the critical importance of timely seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) for children following the notification of another severe pediatric case. This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by influenza, even as the seasonal peak subsides, and reinforces vaccination as the most effective defense against serious complications.
The latest reported case involves a one-year-old boy who developed typical flu symptoms—fever, cough, and runny nose—on November 26. Despite consulting a private physician initially, his condition rapidly deteriorated three days later, marked by the onset of shortness of breath. He was subsequently admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department. Due to the severity of his respiratory distress, the child was transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where he is currently listed in serious condition. Laboratory tests confirmed he was suffering from Influenza A (H3), complicated by pneumonia and croup.
Crucially, the child had not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccine. While there was no recent travel history and two household contacts experienced only mild symptoms, this case contributes to a worrying trend reported during the current summer influenza season.
Pediatric Cases Remain High Despite Easing Activity
This recent admission brings the total number of severe pediatric influenza cases recorded this season to 23, tragically resulting in three fatalities. The affected patients have ranged in age from eleven months to 17 years old. Since the launch of this year’s SIV program, 14 severe cases have been reported. Significantly, only one of these children had received the current season’s vaccine, but the onset of illness occurred just four days post-vaccination—an insufficient window for the body to develop protective immunity, which typically requires approximately two weeks.
Dr. Albert Au, Head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), noted that although influenza activity has decreased since late October, it remains above baseline levels. With the impending cooler weather and the potential for an early winter influenza season, Dr. Au strongly urged all eligible individuals—specifically those aged six months and above without contraindications—to seek immediate vaccination.
Addressing Low Vaccination Rates in Young Children
This season has seen a disproportionately high number of severe cases affecting children compared to the previous winter. Dr. Au highlighted particularly low vaccination compliance among the youngest demographic; coverage for children aged six months to less than two years stands at under 17 percent.
“Parents must promptly arrange SIV for their children, as well as themselves and other family members, through their family doctors,” Dr. Au advised.
Actionable Steps for Parents and Caregivers:
The CHP stresses that swift medical attention is vital, as pediatric influenza can worsen rapidly. Parents should immediately take children presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms to a medical professional. Urgent assessment at an Accident and Emergency department is necessary if a child exhibits any of the following warning signs:
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Persistent high fever
- Convulsions
Timely vaccination remains the cornerstone of community protection, safeguarding vulnerable children against the potential life-threatening complications associated with seasonal influenza.