TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Severe COVID cases that required hospitalization increased by 30.9% last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Tuesday (June 25).
The CDC said 817 COVID cases required hospitalization from June 18-24, a 30.9% increase from 624 cases between June 11-17. Among last week's cases, 79% were individuals aged 65 and above.
There were 40 COVID-related deaths last week, of these, 90% were aged 65 and above.
The CDC said 2.805 million doses of the XBB vaccine have been administered, with 21,000 doses administered from June 17-23. The XBB vaccination rate is 11.47%, with the first and second-dose vaccination rates for those aged 65 and above 20.74% and 1.79%, respectively.
There are about 2.838 million doses of the Moderna XBB vaccine and 30,000 doses of the Novavax XBB vaccine available nationwide. The CDC urges those who have not yet received the XBB vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The CDC said domestic COVID cases are in an epidemic phase, with cases estimated to plateau by mid-July.
Data over the past four weeks shows that the predominant variant detected locally and abroad is JN.1, accounting for 62% and 47%, respectively. The KP.2 variant has increased to 18% and 25%, followed by KP.3 at 8% and 14%, and XDV.1 at 8% and 9%, respectively.
The main global variants, JN.1, KP.2, and KP.3, have immune evasion characteristics and higher transmissibility, but current research shows they have not increased disease severity.
Existing rapid tests and PCR methods can still detect the virus, and approved antiviral drugs remain effective. The U.S. CDC assesses that the XBB vaccine provides effective protection for young adults and the elderly, and recommends high-risk individuals get booster shots.
The CDC reminds the public that if they develop symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, or sore throat, they should first use a home COVID rapid test and inform their doctor of the test results when seeking medical attention to aid in diagnosis.
The CDC urges high-risk groups, such as those aged 65 and above or individuals with immunodeficiency or weakened immune systems to get vaccinated.
