Most Hongkongers are not getting flu shots despite a high prevalence of the disease in the region, a survey has shown.

Most avoid the shots because of misconceptions about flu, its vaccine or costs.

A survey conducted last month by non-governmental organization Health Link Promotions Ltd of 500 working adults showed more than 70 percent of respondents had had influenza in the past year.

Despite the high number of infected, only half of the respondents considered a vaccine effective against flu.

About 70 percent did not get a flu shot in the past year.

Reasons cited include "not wanting to spend money" (44.5 percent of those polled), "no information on when to get a shot" (29.6 percent) and "vaccine has no efficacy" (26 percent).

Close to 30 percent believed the chance of getting flu in warm weather was lower than in winter.

Family doctor Betty Kwan Ka-mei said the survey showed Hongkongers had a poor understanding of influenza prevention.

"It's wrong to assume that we stand a lower chance of getting influenza when it is warm," she said.

Hong Kong has seen flu outbreaks in summer, said Kwan, because the city is crowded and frequent air-conditioning keeps air circulation poor.

There is also a misconception that it is best to get a flu shot at the peak of an outbreak, said the doctor.

People should get a shot in summer as the vaccine could offer year-round protection, she added.

Kwan said flu rates have already peaked this month and urged people to get a shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their families.

Raymond Woo, a 34-year-old deputy editor of a magazine, caught the flu at the end of last year after missing out on the chance for a flu shot.

"I was not aware...I did not know when I should get a shot," he said.

He felt so weak at work from the flu that his colleague had to send him home.

He will be getting a flu shot this year.

Health Link Promotions director Maggie Ng said influenza could create huge economic losses.

(China Daily November 14, 2007)