This winter will be the first influenza peak since the lifting of the compulsory mask-wearing requirement. To protect the health of students and teachers, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has launched “HKMU Vaccination Days” for the first time to help reduce the risk of the spread of germs and maintain a safe and healthy campus environment. The influenza vaccination is administered by professionally trained students from the School of Nursing and Health Studies, allowing them to apply their knowledge to serve the HKMU community.

“HKMU Vaccination Days” run from today (21 November) to Thursday (23 November) at the HKMU Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare. An overwhelming response has been received, with approximately 320 students and staff registered. In support of the campaign, President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing was the first to receive the vaccination at the kick-off ceremony.

Prof. Lam said he believes that it is the University's responsibility to enhance awareness among students, teachers and staff of the importance of preventing infectious diseases, thus reducing their risk of getting ill, and at the same time, promoting among the public the importance of vaccination to protect community health.

“Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications,” said Prof. Lam. “The University is always concerned about the health and well-being of our students and teachers. We urge HKMUers and other Hong Kong citizens to get vaccinated as early as possible to protect themselves and others, and to work together to reduce the spread of diseases in the community.”

Under the one-to-one supervision and guidance of teachers, 30 nursing students will administer the influenza vaccine to enrolled individuals. All participating students have already gained clinical experience through their placement in healthcare institutions recognised by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. The campaign will enable them to put what they have learned into practice and contribute to the HKMU community.

Sze Hoi-yi, a year 3 student in the Bachelor of Nursing with Honours in General Health Care programme, found the “HKMU Vaccination Days” very meaningful. “The campaign helps raise the awareness of vaccination among teachers and students, thus minimising their chance of contracting influenza and serious illnesses,” she said. “It also provides more opportunities for nursing students to serve vaccinees of different age groups, and practise the knowledge and skills that we have learnt.”

HKMU is committed to nurturing nursing professionals, and currently, about one-third of the nursing practitioners in Hong Kong are graduates of the University. The School of Nursing and Health Studies not only offers nursing and healthcare education programmes at different levels to nurture nursing professionals for Hong Kong, but also assumes responsibility for health promotion and health education in the community, thus raising awareness of public health and jointly building a healthy society. The School works closely with different healthcare organisations and has received support from Bamboos Professional Nursing Services Limited in organising this campaign.