Coronavirus vaccines: Hong Kong government advisers split over buying BioNTech’s second-generation booster
- BioNTech’s second-generation booster based on two virus strains – the original Covid-19 type and BA.4 and BA.5 lines
- City records first Omicron XBB.1 subvariant, involving an imported case, but health experts caution against undue alarm
Government health advisers were on Monday divided over whether Hong Kong should buy BioNTech’s Omicron-targeted coronavirus booster shot, with some saying it was more effective than the first-generation jabs, while another claimed the purchase would be a waste of resources.
Their comments came as Hong Kong recorded its first Omicron XBB.1 subvariant from an imported case, but health experts warned against undue alarm over the more transmissible strain and said no policy change was needed.
The debate over vaccine procurement came as authorities recorded the city’s first Omicron XBB.1 subvariant infection, involving an arrival, but health experts on Monday cautioned against undue alarm and said no change in policy was needed.
The government said on Sunday was examining an application from Germany’s BioNTech to make the booster shot available. The request would then be handed over to the 11-member advisory panel on Covid-19 vaccines, chaired by government adviser Professor Wallace Lau Chak-sing, for review.
Professor Ivan Hung Fan-ngai, a top infectious disease expert and a member of the advisory panel, said authorities should introduce the new booster shot against the dominant BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron strains.
