Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
Dear Department of Health,
On 17 August 2023, the Pretoria High Court ruled in the Health Justice Initiative's favor in the bid to compel the South African National Department of Health to provide access to all COVID-19 vaccine procurement contracts and other documents.
The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Pfizer and Laboratories Proprietary Limited and the Government of the Republic of South Africa Acting Through The National Department of Health of South Africa ("NDOH"), signed on 01 April 2023, has been released: https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
In the Agreement, Under Purchaser Acknowledgement 5.5 Purchaser Acknowledgement, it states:
"Purchaser acknowledges that the Vaccine and materials related to the Vaccine, and their components and constituent materials are being rapidly developed due to the emergency circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be studied after provision of the Vaccine to Purchaser under this Agreement. Purchaser further acknowledges that the long-term effects and efficacy of the Vaccine are not currently known and that there may be adverse effects of the Vaccine that are not currently known. Further, to the extent applicable, Purchaser acknowledges that the Product shall not be serialized.
Please advise the content of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the following COVID-19 vaccine:
Product Name: COMIRNATY DISPERSION FOR INJECTION COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE (NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) 30 MICROGRAMS/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67665
Product Name: COMIRNATY ORIGINAL/OMICRON BA.4-5 DISPERSION FOR INJECTION COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE (NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) (15/15 MICROGRAMS)/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67666
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
Dear Rossi,
We have received your application dated 25.10.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19
vaccines under registration number HK-67665 and HK-67666.
As your request for information involves consultation with various parties
concerned, we are unable to provide you with the information sought at
this stage. Pursuant to paragraph 1.16 of the Code, you will be advised
further in relation to your request on or before 3.11.2023.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 2125
2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 25/10/2023 17:02 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 25/10/2023 15:33
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Purchaser Acknowledgement
for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
On 17 August 2023, the Pretoria High Court ruled in the Health Justice
Initiative's favor in the bid to compel the South African National
Department of Health to provide access to all COVID-19 vaccine procurement
contracts and other documents.
The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Pfizer and Laboratories
Proprietary Limited and the Government of the Republic of South Africa
Acting Through The National Department of Health of South Africa ("NDOH"),
signed on 01 April 2023, has been released:
[1]https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
In the Agreement, Under Purchaser Acknowledgement 5.5 Purchaser
Acknowledgement, it states:
"Purchaser acknowledges that the Vaccine and materials related to the
Vaccine, and their components and constituent materials are being rapidly
developed due to the emergency circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and
will continue to be studied after provision of the Vaccine to Purchaser
under this Agreement. Purchaser further acknowledges that the long-term
effects and efficacy of the Vaccine are not currently known and that there
may be adverse effects of the Vaccine that are not currently known.
Further, to the extent applicable, Purchaser acknowledges that the Product
shall not be serialized.
Please advise the content of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the
following COVID-19 vaccine:
Product Name: COMIRNATY DISPERSION FOR INJECTION COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE
(NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) 30 MICROGRAMS/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67665
Product Name: COMIRNATY ORIGINAL/OMICRON BA.4-5 DISPERSION FOR INJECTION
COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE (NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) (15/15 MICROGRAMS)/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67666
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a request under the Code of Access to Information facilitated via
the accessinfo.hk website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Is [Department of Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[2]https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
2. https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
3. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Rossi,
Further to my email below, as we need some more time to process your
application, according to paragraph 1.16 of the Code on Access to
Information, you will be advised further in relation to your request on or
before 14.11.2023. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please
contact me at 2125 2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 03/11/2023 09:23 -----
From: Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG
To: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
Cc: Access to info/DH/HKSARG@DH
Date: 25/10/2023 17:11
Subject: *Restricted: Fw: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Rossi,
We have received your application dated 25.10.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19
vaccines under registration number HK-67665 and HK-67666.
As your request for information involves consultation with various parties
concerned, we are unable to provide you with the information sought at
this stage. Pursuant to paragraph 1.16 of the Code, you will be advised
further in relation to your request on or before 3.11.2023.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 2125
2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 25/10/2023 17:02 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 25/10/2023 15:33
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Purchaser Acknowledgement
for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
On 17 August 2023, the Pretoria High Court ruled in the Health Justice
Initiative's favor in the bid to compel the South African National
Department of Health to provide access to all COVID-19 vaccine procurement
contracts and other documents.
The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Pfizer and Laboratories
Proprietary Limited and the Government of the Republic of South Africa
Acting Through The National Department of Health of South Africa ("NDOH"),
signed on 01 April 2023, has been released:
[1]https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
In the Agreement, Under Purchaser Acknowledgement 5.5 Purchaser
Acknowledgement, it states:
"Purchaser acknowledges that the Vaccine and materials related to the
Vaccine, and their components and constituent materials are being rapidly
developed due to the emergency circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and
will continue to be studied after provision of the Vaccine to Purchaser
under this Agreement. Purchaser further acknowledges that the long-term
effects and efficacy of the Vaccine are not currently known and that there
may be adverse effects of the Vaccine that are not currently known.
Further, to the extent applicable, Purchaser acknowledges that the Product
shall not be serialized.
Please advise the content of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the
following COVID-19 vaccine:
Product Name: COMIRNATY DISPERSION FOR INJECTION COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE
(NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) 30 MICROGRAMS/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67665
Product Name: COMIRNATY ORIGINAL/OMICRON BA.4-5 DISPERSION FOR INJECTION
COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE (NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) (15/15 MICROGRAMS)/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67666
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a request under the Code of Access to Information facilitated via
the accessinfo.hk website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Is [Department of Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[2]https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
2. https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
3. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 25.10.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19
vaccines under registration number HK-67665 and HK-67666.
Please note that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region has not purchased the two named registered COVID-19 vaccines
(HK-67665 and HK-67666). Your application therefore cannot be processed.
If we can be of any assistance in the provision of other information in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 07/11/2023 14:01 -----
From: Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG
To: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
Cc: Access to info/DH/HKSARG@DH
Date: 03/11/2023 09:28
Subject: *Restricted: Fw: Fw: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Rossi,
Further to my email below, as we need some more time to process your
application, according to paragraph 1.16 of the Code on Access to
Information, you will be advised further in relation to your request on or
before 14.11.2023. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please
contact me at 2125 2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 03/11/2023 09:23 -----
From: Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG
To: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
Cc: Access to info/DH/HKSARG@DH
Date: 25/10/2023 17:11
Subject: *Restricted: Fw: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Rossi,
We have received your application dated 25.10.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19
vaccines under registration number HK-67665 and HK-67666.
As your request for information involves consultation with various parties
concerned, we are unable to provide you with the information sought at
this stage. Pursuant to paragraph 1.16 of the Code, you will be advised
further in relation to your request on or before 3.11.2023.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 2125
2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 25/10/2023 17:02 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 25/10/2023 15:33
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Purchaser Acknowledgement
for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
On 17 August 2023, the Pretoria High Court ruled in the Health Justice
Initiative's favor in the bid to compel the South African National
Department of Health to provide access to all COVID-19 vaccine procurement
contracts and other documents.
The Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between Pfizer and Laboratories
Proprietary Limited and the Government of the Republic of South Africa
Acting Through The National Department of Health of South Africa ("NDOH"),
signed on 01 April 2023, has been released:
[1]https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
In the Agreement, Under Purchaser Acknowledgement 5.5 Purchaser
Acknowledgement, it states:
"Purchaser acknowledges that the Vaccine and materials related to the
Vaccine, and their components and constituent materials are being rapidly
developed due to the emergency circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and
will continue to be studied after provision of the Vaccine to Purchaser
under this Agreement. Purchaser further acknowledges that the long-term
effects and efficacy of the Vaccine are not currently known and that there
may be adverse effects of the Vaccine that are not currently known.
Further, to the extent applicable, Purchaser acknowledges that the Product
shall not be serialized.
Please advise the content of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the
following COVID-19 vaccine:
Product Name: COMIRNATY DISPERSION FOR INJECTION COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE
(NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) 30 MICROGRAMS/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67665
Product Name: COMIRNATY ORIGINAL/OMICRON BA.4-5 DISPERSION FOR INJECTION
COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE (NUCLEOSIDE MODIFIED) (15/15 MICROGRAMS)/DOSE
Registration No.: HK-67666
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a request under the Code of Access to Information facilitated via
the accessinfo.hk website.
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Is [Department of Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[2]https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://healthjusticeinitiative.org.za/w...
2. https://accessinfo.hk/en/change_request/...
3. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Department of Health,
Would you please provide me the name and the Registration No. for those COVID-19 Vaccines
within the Government Vaccination Programme?
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 07.11.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the name and the registration number of COVID-19
vaccines used under the Government Vaccination Programme. The requested
information is as follows:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Please note that all of the vaccines listed above are currently authorized
for use under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines)
Regulation (Cap. 599K) instead of registration under the Pharmacy and
Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A).
If we can be of any assistance in the provision of other information in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 08/11/2023 10:44 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 07/11/2023 17:14
Subject: Re: *Restricted: Re: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
Would you please provide me the name and the Registration No. for those
COVID-19 Vaccines
within the Government Vaccination Programme?
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-----Original Message-----
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 25.10.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19
vaccines under registration number HK-67665 and HK-67666.
Please note that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region has not purchased the two named registered COVID-19 vaccines
(HK-67665 and HK-67666). Your application therefore cannot be processed.
If we can be of any assistance in the provision of other information in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[1]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Department of Health,
Please advise the context of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the following COVID-19 vaccine:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
Dear Rossi,
I refer to your email dated 8.11.2023 seeking access to information
relating to the purchaser acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccines used
under the Government Vaccination Programme.
As your request involves consultation with various parties concerned, we
are unable to provide you with the information sought at this stage.
Pursuant to 1.16 of the Code on Access to Information, you will be
advised further in relation to your request on or before 28.11.2023.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 2125
2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 09/11/2023 10:27 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 08/11/2023 14:12
Subject: Re: *Restricted: Re: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
Please advise the context of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the
following COVID-19 vaccine:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-----Original Message-----
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 07.11.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the name and the registration number of COVID-19
vaccines used under the Government Vaccination Programme. The requested
information is as follows:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Please note that all of the vaccines listed above are currently authorized
for use under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines)
Regulation (Cap. 599K) instead of registration under the Pharmacy and
Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A).
If we can be of any assistance in the provision of other information in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[1]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 8.11.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the five
COVID-19 vaccines used under the Government Vaccination Programme.
After careful consideration of your application, we regret to inform you
that we are unable to provide the information requested. The Government
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has entered into
confidentiality / non-disclosure agreement with the suppliers of the five
COVID-19 vaccines concerned. The request is declined based on paragraph
2.16 of the Code on Access to Information, which states that information
including commercial, financial, scientific or technical confidences,
trade secrets or intellectual property the disclosure of which would harm
the competitive or financial position of any person. In this case, we
consider that the public interest in disclosure of the information does
not outweigh any harm to the competitive or financial position of the
vaccine suppliers concerned.
You may ask the department to review the decision by writing to Deputy
Director of Health at 21st Floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East,
Hong Kong if you are not satisfied with the above decision.
Alternatively, you may complain to The Ombudsman, whose address is –
Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
30/F, China Merchants Tower,
Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Complaint Hotline：2629 0555
Fax：2882 8149
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 17/11/2023 11:16 -----
From: Rossi <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: FOI requests at Department of Health <[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 08/11/2023 14:12
Subject: Re: *Restricted: Re: Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
Please advise the context of the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the
following COVID-19 vaccine:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-----Original Message-----
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 07.11.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the name and the registration number of COVID-19
vaccines used under the Government Vaccination Programme. The requested
information is as follows:
1. CoronaVac COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated
2. Comirnaty COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (BNT162b2) Concentrate for Dispersion
for Injection
3. Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
4. Comirnaty 3 micrograms/dose Concentrate for Dispersion for Injection
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
5. Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 (15/15 micrograms)/dose Dispersion
for Injection COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (nucleoside modified)
Please note that all of the vaccines listed above are currently authorized
for use under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines)
Regulation (Cap. 599K) instead of registration under the Pharmacy and
Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A).
If we can be of any assistance in the provision of other information in
the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[1]https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://accessinfo.hk/en/help/officers
Dear Department of Health,
I am seeking clarification regarding the recent U.S. Senate report titled “The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines”, published in May 2025 by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines URL below: https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommitte...
In May 2025, the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a report and held a hearing alleging that federal health agencies, including the CDC and FDA, deliberately downplayed and delayed public warnings about myocarditis and other adverse events linked to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The report claims that officials were aware of the risks as early as February 2021 but postponed public disclosure to avoid alarm. It also highlights internal resistance to issuing safety alerts and notes instances of censorship against medical professionals raising concerns. The findings raise serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of public health communication during the pandemic.
Pursuant to applicable access to information laws and transparency regulations, I am writing to formally request access to the full, unredacted procurement contracts (or the most complete versions available) entered into between Hospital Authority and COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, including but not limited to Pfizer-BioNTech.
This request includes:
• The full text of each contract;
• Annexes, schedules, and pricing terms;
• Any clauses related to liability, indemnity, delivery, confidentiality, or data sharing;
• Amendments or updates to the contracts;
• Correspondence that accompanied or negotiated the agreements.
• Terms of Purchaser Agreement
Given the significant public interest in vaccine procurement during the pandemic, and in light of recent US Senate findings concerning transparency and vaccine safety communication, I believe full disclosure of these agreements is necessary to ensure accountability and public trust.
If certain portions must be redacted, please indicate the legal basis for each redaction, as required by law.
I kindly request a response within the statutory time frame. Please confirm receipt of this request.
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
Dear Rossi,
I refer to your application dated 25.5.2025 seeking access to information
relating to the procurement contracts entered into between Hospital
Authority (“HA”) and COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
2. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(“HKSARG”) procured the COVID-19 vaccines to provide free vaccination to
eligible persons under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Designated
out-patient clinics of HA are one of vaccination venues under the COVID-19
Vaccination Programme, in which the vaccines were provided by the
Department of Health (this department). We learn from HA that it did not
enter into any procurement contracts with COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
3. After careful consideration of your application, we regret to
inform you that this department is unable to provide the related
information you requested. The HKSARG has entered into confidentiality /
non-disclosure agreement with the suppliers of COVID-19 vaccines.
According to paragraph 2.16 of the Code on Access to Information,
disclosure of information including commercial, financial, scientific or
technical confidences, trade secrets or intellectual property may be
declined if disclosure of which would harm the competitive or financial
position of any person. In this case, we consider that the public
interest in disclosure of the procurement contract between the HKSARG and
the COVID-19 vaccine suppliers does not outweigh any harm to the
competitive or financial position of the vaccine suppliers concerned.
4. You may ask this department to review the decision by writing to
Deputy Director of Health at 21st Floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road
East, Hong Kong if you are not satisfied with the above decision.
Alternatively, you may complain to The Ombudsman, whose address is –
Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
30/F, China Merchants Tower,
Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Complaint Hotline: 2629 0555
Fax: 2882 8149
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 05/06/2025 11:51 -----
From: Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG
To: [FOI #1449 email]
Date: 02/06/2025 17:23
Subject: Fw: Internal review of Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Rossi,
The email below dated 30 May 2025 is forwarded to you for your
information.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 02/06/2025 09:12 -----
From: Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG
To: "Rossi" <[FOI #1449 email]>
Date: 30/05/2025 09:24
Subject: *Restricted: Fw: Internal review of Freedom of Information
request - Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Rossi,
We have received your application dated 25.5.2025 seeking access to
information relating to the procurement contract between the Hospital
Authority and COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.
As we are unable to provide you with the information sought at this stage,
pursuant to paragraph 1.16 of the Code, you will be advised further in
relation to your request on or before 13.6.2025.
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact me at 2125
2215.
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
----- Forwarded by Stephen SF LOWE/DH/HKSARG on 30/05/2025 09:17 -----
From: "Rossi" <[FOI #1449 email]>
To: "FOI requests at Department of Health"
<[Department of Health request email]>
Date: 25/05/2025 18:41
Subject: Internal review of Freedom of Information request -
Purchaser Acknowledgement for the COVID-19 vaccine
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Department of Health,
I am seeking clarification regarding the recent U.S. Senate report titled
“The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health
Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events
Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines”, published in May 2025 by the
Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
The Corruption of Science and Federal Health Agencies: How Health
Officials Downplayed and Hid Myocarditis and Other Adverse Events
Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccines URL below:
[1]https://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommitte...
In May 2025, the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
released a report and held a hearing alleging that federal health
agencies, including the CDC and FDA, deliberately downplayed and delayed
public warnings about myocarditis and other adverse events linked to
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The report claims that officials were aware of the
risks as early as February 2021 but postponed public disclosure to avoid
alarm. It also highlights internal resistance to issuing safety alerts and
notes instances of censorship against medical professionals raising
concerns. The findings raise serious questions about transparency,
accountability, and the integrity of public health communication during
the pandemic.
Pursuant to applicable access to information laws and transparency
regulations, I am writing to formally request access to the full,
unredacted procurement contracts (or the most complete versions available)
entered into between Hospital Authority and COVID-19 vaccine
manufacturers, including but not limited to Pfizer-BioNTech.
This request includes:
• The full text of each contract;
• Annexes, schedules, and pricing terms;
• Any clauses related to liability,
indemnity, delivery, confidentiality, or data sharing;
• Amendments or updates to the contracts;
• Correspondence that accompanied or
negotiated the agreements.
• Terms of Purchaser Agreement
Given the significant public interest in vaccine procurement during the
pandemic, and in light of recent US Senate findings concerning
transparency and vaccine safety communication, I believe full disclosure
of these agreements is necessary to ensure accountability and public
trust.
If certain portions must be redacted, please indicate the legal basis for
each redaction, as required by law.
I kindly request a response within the statutory time frame. Please
confirm receipt of this request.
Yours faithfully,
Rossi
-----Original Message-----
Dear Rossi,
Thank you for your application dated 8.11.2023 seeking access to
information relating to the Purchaser Acknowledgement for the five
COVID-19 vaccines used under the Government Vaccination Programme.
After careful consideration of your application, we regret to inform you
that we are unable to provide the information requested. The Government
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has entered into
confidentiality / non-disclosure agreement with the suppliers of the five
COVID-19 vaccines concerned. The request is declined based on paragraph
2.16 of the Code on Access to Information, which states that information
including commercial, financial, scientific or technical confidences,
trade secrets or intellectual property the disclosure of which would harm
the competitive or financial position of any person. In this case, we
consider that the public interest in disclosure of the information does
not outweigh any harm to the competitive or financial position of the
vaccine suppliers concerned.
You may ask the department to review the decision by writing to Deputy
Director of Health at 21st Floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East,
Hong Kong if you are not satisfied with the above decision.
Alternatively, you may complain to The Ombudsman, whose address is –
Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong
30/F, China Merchants Tower,
Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Complaint Hotline：2629 0555
Fax：2882 8149
Stephen Lowe
for Director of Health
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Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #1449 email]
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the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[2]https://accessinfo.hk/help/officers
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