Here's everything you need to know about Hong Kong's Covid-19 vaccine rollout

Hong Kong secured a total of 22.5 million doses of the vaccine from Sinovac Biotech (China; 50.4 to 65.3 percent efficacy), BioNTech-Fosun Pharma (Europe; 95 percent efficacy), and AstraZeneca-Oxford (United Kingdom; 62 to 90 percent efficacy), providing 7.5 million shots from each company.

As of April 9, the government suspended orders of the AstraZeneca-Oxford jabs. Of all the three vaccines, jabs from BioNTech-Fosun Pharma and Sinovac Biotech are the only ones approved to be used in the city. The first batch of CoronaVac arrived in Hong Kong on February 19, while BioNTech-Fosun Pharma became available in the city by the end of February and new batch of doses arrived by the first week of April. 

The government temporarily suspended the use of BioNTech vaccines last March 24 due to packaging problems in one batch of vials but have since resumed schedules since April 5 at all the Community Vaccination Centres. As of April 15, the government announced that BioNTech jabs will only be available in the city until end of September. 

Priority groups eligible for the vaccination include residents and staff of residential care homes for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other institutional facilities; healthcare workers and other essential services workers at risk of exposure to the virus (postal staff, hygiene workers, and disciplined forces); cross-border transport workers including truck drivers, fishermen, and air and sea crew; persons aged 60 years or above; and persons with chronic medical problems aged between 16 and 59 years.

As of March 16, priority groups included residents age 30 and above, domestic helpers, and students 16 or older who study overseas. On April 23, the age limit for BionNTech inoculation was extended to Hongkongers aged 16 to 29. And by the second week of June, residents between 12 to 15 years will finally be allowed to get the jab. 

Eligible Hong Kong residents can reserve a schedule and the place for vaccination via the government's 24-hour online booking system. Residents just need to provide HKID in order to receive a vaccination.

From July 29, Hong Kong residents aged 70 or above can bypass the booking app and get walk-in Covid-19 vaccination passes at all 24 Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) – except those run by private hospitals – in the city. 

Vaccines will be rolled out in phases and will be available in Community Vaccination Centres (CVCs) in 18 districts in Hong Kong (see the full list here; each centre will provide only one type of vaccine), general out-patient clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA), over 2000 private clinics, and residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The government's vaccination programme aims to cover the whole Hong Kong population, but it will be rolled out in phases. From February 26, priority groups are able to receive vaccines at the CVCs operating daily from 8am to 8pm. The vaccine programme was then rolled out in private hospitals and clinics by March.

The government also expanded the city's Covid-19 vaccination scheme to cover 5.5 million residents. Appointments for additional eligible groups already started on March 16. By April, the vaccination programme became available for residents aged 16 to 29. Details for the extension of the scheme to younger residents aged 12 years will be announced by the second week of June.

Yes. Hong Kong residents can decide which coronavirus vaccine is right for them. Those aged 16 to 17 are allowed to get the BioNTech vaccine and the minimum age for receiving the Sinovac vaccine is 18 years old. 

Hong Kong residents (with a valid HKID) can join the government's vaccination programme free of charge. There is still no government announcement if hospitals can purchase their vaccine supplies to sell to the general public.

The vaccine jab will feel the same as any other vaccine administered through injection, but short-lived side effects like soreness in the arm from coronavirus vaccines might appear higher than your regular flu shot. 

Common side effects from the vaccines include headaches, chills, and muscle pain and may sometimes resemble the symptoms of Covid-19. After receiving the jab, you will be required to stay in the observation area for 15 to 30 minutes to see any adverse effects. 

Side effects may vary depending on the vaccine jabs. Click the links to find out more about Sinovac vaccine and BioNTech vaccine.

It may be the same as acquiring regular flu shots that require annual boosters, but since Covid-19 vaccinations are still in their initial phase, long-term efficacy is yet to be determined.

If you're looking for more information, the government has set up a special site to answer queries. Visit covidvaccine.gov.hk for details.