Hong Kong – Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases reviews use of pneumococcal vaccine in Hong Kong

Sep 27, 2023 | International

Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases reviews use of pneumococcal vaccine in Hong Kong

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     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) convened a meeting yesterday (September 26) to review the use of pneumococcal vaccine in Hong Kong. Updated recommendations were published today (September 27). The meeting reviewed the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Experts noted that IPD was more commonly found among children aged 2 to 4 years and elderly aged 65 years or above in Hong Kong, while serotype 3 was the predominant serotype causing IPD accounting for about half of all cases recorded during 2015 to 2019.

     Having reviewed the scientific data, the SCVPD considered that locally available pneumococcal vaccines, including two newly registered vaccines, namely 15-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV15) and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV20), were safe and effective. In addition, PCV15 induced higher immunogenicity, comparing with PCV13 and PCV20, against Serotype 3 which is believed to be more effective in preventing IPD caused by this serotype. 

     Taking into consideration the local epidemiology and available scientific evidence, the SCVPD recommended to replace PCV13 with PCV15 under both the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme and the Government Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme. Relevant immunisation schedules for children and high-risk individuals would remain unchanged. When PCV15 is available under relevant government vaccination programmes, children can receive PCV15 with two primary doses given at 2 and 4 months of age followed by a booster dose at 12 months. Unvaccinated elderly aged 65 or above without a high-risk condition should receive a single dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (23vPPV) whereas those with high-risk conditions should receive one dose of PCV15 followed by one dose of 23vPPV one year later. For individuals not eligible for relevant government vaccination programme, they may choose to receive any locally registered pneumococcal vaccine to protect themselves against IPD following the manufacturer’s recommendations and upon discussion with healthcare professionals. Details of the SCVPD’s updated recommendations on the use of pneumococcal vaccine are available on the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.

     During the same meeting, the SCVPD also discussed the use of herpes zoster vaccines. Experts considered that locally available herpes zoster vaccines were safe and effective. Individual older adults and adults with immunocompromised conditions may consider receiving herpes zoster vaccine in consultation with their doctors to protect themselves against zoster and its complications. The SCVPD considered that more local data from a cost benefit analysis perspective would be essential for future consideration on the inclusion of herpes zoster vaccine into relevant government vaccination programmes.

Philadelphia Scientific is on the Road to Net Zero

Jul 13, 2023 | Business

 Philadelphia Scientific’s journey to reduce environmental impact at Manufacturing UK Headquarters.

Philadelphia Scientific, a leading global innovator in stored energy technologies, is continuing the road to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK Headquarters in Bolton in Greater Manchester. Duncan Jones, Managing Director states, “All companies need to do their part to reduce their impact. The next stage of our journey is to attempt to power the manufacturing part of our business completely from on-site renewables.” Reducing impact is imperative in combating climate change, and manufacturing companies have a pivotal role to play in reducing their carbon footprint.

Recognizing the importance of this initiative, renowned organizations worldwide have emphasized the need for environmental consciousness and sustainability. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, achieving net zero emissions in manufacturing is crucial to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The report also highlights that decarbonizing manufacturing processes can create new economic opportunities and foster long-term competitiveness.

In many ways Philadelphia Scientific has been helping reduce the impact of businesses around the world for many years. “Our products help batteries perform better for longer which will reduce the carbon footprint across many different sectors,” says John Worthington, Head of R&D. “If companies are converting to electric powered forklifts, our technology makes the transition easier.”

Philadelphia’s ethos is “Making Batteries Better.” For companies already using electric trucks, Philadelphia Scientific technology helps batteries run longer each cycle which means fewer batteries are needed, and they will last longer before they need replacing. This combination of benefits helps companies around the world consume less batteries resulting in less waste, and less impact.

“We’ve decided to apply this approach to our own headquarters,” says Jones. “Several years ago, we had the opportunity to acquire a fantastic 135-year-old industrial mill. In the renovation we invested in low-loss windows, advanced insulation, led lighting & smart heat controls. Now we’re going to attempt to provide 100% of our manufacturing electricity from on-site renewables.” The plan is to utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar, to meet energy demands. Philadelphia Scientific is also implementing advanced energy monitoring and management systems to detect unnecessary usage and minimize energy consumption.

“At Philadelphia Scientific, we firmly believe that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand,” says Andy Napoleon Hill, Sales & Marketing Manager. “While we certainly will be mitigating environmental impact we also believe that this investment will also have a healthy financial return on investment over time.”

As they embark on this transformative journey, they invite their industry peers, stakeholders, and customers to follow them on their sustainable manufacturing journey.

About Philadelphia Scientific:
Philadelphia Scientific is a global leader in industrial battery maintenance solutions. With a comprehensive range of products and services, the company helps businesses across various sectors optimize their battery performance, extend battery life, and reduce operational costs. Philadelphia Scientific is committed to providing innovative solutions that make battery maintenance effortless and efficient.

Philadelphia Scientific UK
Andy Napoleon Hill
+447553932367
https://www.phlsci.com

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Hong Kong – Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

Dec 1, 2022 | International

Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

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     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened a meeting today (December 1) to discuss and issue the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong.



     In view of the arrival of the Comirnaty bivalent vaccine to Hong Kong, recent increasing activities of COVID-19 in the community and residential care homes, as well as the anticipating winter surge, the JSC-EAP has specifically discussed the use of the bivalent vaccine to supplement previous recommendations made on October 13.



     Experts urged to arrange vaccination comprising a total of four doses for eligible residents of residential care homes for elderly persons (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) as soon as feasible, so as to reduce the risk of death and severe disease. Taking into account overseas practice and Comirnaty bivalent vaccine matched with the circulating Omicron strain in Hong Kong, experts considered RCHE and RCHD residents who have completed four doses (or three doses with previous COVID-19 infection) may choose to receive an additional dose of bivalent vaccine for better personal protection, while residents may also choose ancestral strain vaccine under informed consent. In addition, bivalent vaccine can be used as another choice for the third and the fourth dose .



     Noting some adults have received four doses of vaccines (or three doses with prior infection) with more than half a year passed, experts considered that they may choose to receive an additional dose of vaccine six months after their last dose or recovery for personal protection under informed consent. Similar approach also applies to immunocompromised persons aged 18 or above, with a shortened time interval of three months.



     ​Details of the interim recommendations are available at the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.

Scientific administrators discuss pathways to address issues and specific technology needs of the states

Sep 10, 2022 | Business


Top scientific administrators across Ministries and departments discussed pathways by which science ministries can address issues and specific technology needs of the states and ways to strengthen the centre-state co-ordination for the socio-economic development of the nation.


Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, Prof A K Sood, highlighted the need for adequate investment in research and development from the private sector. “Some states have received substantial foreign direct investment, and some like Karnataka and Uttarakhand have made exemplary efforts in some areas like One Health Mission,” he pointed out while explaining the impact of closer linkages between the centre and states.





Showcasing the effort by DST to strengthen the State Startup Ecosystem, Secretary, DST Dr. S. Chandrasekhar said, “DST has supported startup incubation centres in places like Hyderabad and Vadodara.”


“We are working for catalysing Science Technology Innovation (STI) ecosystem in the States by facilitating human resources, S&T infrastructure & socio-economic development through appropriate partnerships and strengthening of the S&T-based delivery system,” he pointed out.


“Indian researchers at all corners of India should pursue scientific research for the benefit of society with practical application-driven innovations,” Dr. Chandrasekhar added.


Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT, underlined India’s success in combatting the pandemic and said that if such a feat can be achieved in adverse situations, much more can be done in normal situations.  


“The target of bioeconomy has moved up from $150 Bn for 2025 to $300 Bn for 2030. How India needs to set out a National Bio-economy Strategy for the next 25 years,” said Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT


Director General; CSIR, Dr. N Kalaiselvi,  advocated for technology-enabled socio-economic development in States and a balanced approach of developing technologies for urban and rural needs.


She highlighted R&D carried out by CSIR under thematic areas like smart agriculture, civil infrastructure, energy and environment, aerospace, mining, metals, minerals and materials, health care & specialty chemicals, understanding the unique characteristics and specific needs of the states and regions and bringing customized solutions for critical issues of states.


 “The Ministry of Earth Sciences is translating earth science technologies like earthquake detection, weather and climate forecasting, and exploration of non-living ocean resources to services,” said Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. M Ravichandran.


He spoke about observatories for atmosphere and ocean and data transmission, the establishment of automatic weather stations, X band radars,   monitoring of coastal erosion and pollution, and dissemination of information for different stakeholders like farmers, fishermen that have brought benefits to people across India.


Shri KN Vyas, Secretary, DAE, and Chairman, Atomic Energy, shared success stories in agriculture and water technologies such as the use of isotopes to track and recharge aquifers, use of radiation technologies for preserving packaged food materials, water ATMs, and so on which can be of use to the states.


Shri S. Somnath, Secretary, DoS & Chairman, ISRO, presented ‘2047 Space Roadmap’ with a focus on pushing ahead economic aspects of space technologies.


He encouraged states to establish regional, remote sensing centres based on themes and specialties of the states. He also advocated for encouraging entrepreneurship in value-added space products.


The session created a platform for discussing the key challenges for the Technology Vision for 2047 presented by the Sectoral Group of Secretaries and solutions to propel India as a vibrant knowledge economy in the 21st century.




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Hong Kong – Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

Aug 2, 2022 | International

Scientific Committees under CHP update consensus interim recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

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     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, joined by the Chief Executive’s expert advisory panel (EAP), convened an online meeting today (August 1) to discuss and issue the consensus interim recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for children down to six months of age in Hong Kong.



     The JSC-EAP noted the early clinical trial data from three doses of Comirnaty vaccine and two doses of CoronaVac vaccine in children down to six months of age which showed that both vaccines were immunogenic and had no new safety concerns. Taking into account local context and in anticipation of the winter surge, vaccinating this group of children will likely prevent severe disease and death.



     For Comirnaty vaccine, a three-dose series (each dose is one-tenth of the adult dose) may be administered to children aged six months to under five years of age. To reduce the small risk of myocarditis or pericarditis associated with mRNA vaccines, the first two doses are recommended to be given eight weeks apart, while the third doses should be given at least three months after receiving the second dose. While the specific paediatric formulation for six months to under five years of age is recommended, the JSC-EAP recommended the Government to explore the option of dilution of adult formulation to appropriate paediatric dosage in case this specific formulation cannot be made available within a short period of time.



     For CoronaVac vaccine, based on related clinical trial data and local studies in adolescents, the experts considered three doses (each dose is the same dosage as in older children and adults) can be used for children aged six months to less than 3 years following the schedule of older children.



     During the meeting, the JSC also reviewed the administration of the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine in adult population. Noting that severe complications may also occur in those aged 50 to 59 years, JSC-EAP recommended a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 50 years and above at least three months from the third dose, on par with the elderly population. JSC-EAP reaffirmed three doses of the CoronaVac and Comirnaty vaccine are highly effective in reducing hospitalisation, severe disease and death across all age groups in adult population and strongly urged completion of the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.



     Details of the interim recommendations are available at the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.