Hong Kong approves emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines

Hong Kong's leader says city authorities have approved new regulations that would allow the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam said on Wednesday that new regulations would empower the city's health minister to approve the use of vaccines in the city.

Hong Kong plans to offer free vaccinations to its 7.5 million residents. Lam said that the government has reached agreements to obtain 22.5 million vaccines from AstraZeneca, mainland firm Sinovac and Fosun Pharma, the Chinese company that will collaborate with German firm BioNTech.

Lam said the government is currently looking for another 7.5 million vaccines from a fourth company to ensure adequate supply. There are also plans to set up a fund to provide financial support to those who experience rare or unexpected reactions to the vaccines.

Priority for the vaccinations will be given to high-risk groups. Lam said recipients will be told which vaccine will be used and can decide whether to accept or rejected it.