Hong Kong watchdog warns not to buy prepaid child vaccinations without advice

Hong Kong parents should not buy private prepaid vaccination plans for their children without prior medical consultation, the city’s consumer watchdog has said, after finding that most service providers do not offer full refunds even if a child is deemed unfit for a jab.

The Consumer Council on Monday also called on private medical facilities and other service providers to be more transparent in their pricing after discovering that 95 per cent of those surveyed required residents to prepay in full.

“The Council urges service providers to enhance transparency by clearly listing the types of vaccines covered and the detailed charges of each scheme,” it said.

“Any additional charges or refund arrangements should be clearly explained before payment, and consumers should be allowed to consult a doctor prior to making payment.”

Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, almost all eligible young people from birth through to Primary Six are provided with free vaccination services targeting 12 infectious diseases, such as measles and hepatitis B.

However, some parents opt to purchase additional coverage offered by private healthcare facilities or other medical groups.