Health officials on Friday said 21 people had been given expired BioNTech vaccines at a private medical centre in Kowloon Bay.

In a statement, the Department of Health (DH) said they were given the jabs – that had exceeded their suggested use-by date by between one and 22 days – at the UMP Medical Centre in January and March.

The department said it's ordered the medical centre to submit a report, adding that its vaccination services will be suspended for the time being.

It added that while none of those affected have reported feeling unwell so far, it will closely follow up on their condition.

“The DH has consulted a local expert, and inquired [vaccine manufacturer] Fosun Pharma on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine. According to the local expert, no re-vaccination is needed for the affected persons but the medical centre should actively follow up on the health condition of the affected persons”, the statement read.

Separately, the government has announced that from April 20, it will only offer a free Covid booster jab to elderly people aged 50 or above, pregnant women and healthcare workers, as well as those who have underlying illnesses or are immunocompromised.

Authorities say these priority groups should receive a vaccine booster at least six months after their last dose, or after their last infection.

Healthy individuals who're already triple-jabbed and want an extra shot, meanwhile, will have to pay for their vaccine in the private market.