Context: A Tragic Reminder of Influenza Risks for Children
A 13-year-old girl in Hong Kong has died after contracting influenza B, marking the first pediatric flu-related fatality in the city this year. The student, who attended TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College in Ma On Shan, had previously received the government’s 2024-2025 seasonal influenza vaccination but had not yet received the jab for the 2025-2026 season. The case has prompted a renewed focus on protecting children through vaccination as Hong Kong navigates the ongoing flu season.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed the girl’s diagnosis and outlined the course of her illness. Symptoms began with fever, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose, and her condition worsened over the week. She collapsed at home on Thursday and was admitted to hospital, first to Prince of Wales Hospital and then transferred to the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital on the same day. Despite medical care, her condition deteriorated, and she died on Sunday.
Health authorities conducted a nasopharyngeal swab that confirmed an influenza B infection. While the details of her underlying health status have not been disclosed, CHP officials emphasized that even previously healthy children can be at risk from influenza, underscoring the need for vaccination as a protective measure.
What this Means for Public Health in Hong Kong
This tragedy has immediate implications for public health messaging in Hong Kong. Officials are reiterating that vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent severe influenza outcomes in children. The 2025-2026 influenza vaccination program is now underway, and health authorities are urging eligible children to receive their jabs as soon as possible to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and complications from flu infections.
Public health campaigns typically focus on several key messages: protecting vulnerable populations, reducing transmission in schools and households, and promoting timely vaccination ahead of peak flu activity. In the wake of this incident, the CHP and related agencies may intensify outreach to schools, parents, and guardians to ensure high vaccination coverage among children and adolescents.
How Vaccination Helps: A Quick Refresher
Seasonal influenza vaccines are updated annually to match circulating strains. While no vaccine is 100% effective, receiving the vaccine significantly lowers the chances of contracting flu and substantially reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly in younger populations. The recent death of a school-aged child highlights the real-world protection vaccines offer and the potential consequences of delaying or skipping immunisation.
Practical Steps for Parents
- Check eligibility for the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza vaccination program and schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as possible.
- Discuss any allergies or medical conditions with a healthcare provider to ensure a safe vaccination plan for children.
- Maintain standard flu precautions at home, school, and in public places, such as hand hygiene and staying home when feverish.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Safer Schools
The death of a 13-year-old from influenza B serves as a stark reminder that influenza can have serious, even fatal, consequences for children. As Hong Kong enters the current flu season, authorities are intensifying efforts to increase vaccination uptake among young people. By acting now and ensuring eligible children receive their flu shot, families can contribute to a safer school environment and stronger community health resilience.
