TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Flu vaccinations will be available to all Taiwan residents starting Jan. 1.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Tuesday that all individuals six months and older can receive quadrivalent influenza vaccines. The program will continue until vaccine supplies run out.
Respiratory viruses become more active in colder temperatures, and the increased activities at the end of the year further heighten transmission risks, said CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧), per CNA.
Due to the Adimmune vaccine discoloration incident and two typhoons this year, influenza vaccinations fell short by 500,000 doses compared to last year. This led the CDC to expand vaccinations to all Taiwanese citizens and residence permit holders.
The publicly funded flu vaccination program began in phases starting Oct. 1. From Nov. 1, the second phase allowed people ages 50 to 64 to receive the jab.
The CDC said that as of Dec. 16, approximately 5.626 million doses of publicly funded vaccines had been administered. The vaccine utilization rate was over 85%, with approximately 960,000 doses remaining.
The elderly and young children face the highest risk of severe illness and death from influenza. Although the vaccine cannot completely prevent infection, it is recommended by the World Health Organization as the most effective method.
The CDC urged priority groups, including seniors ages 65 and older, people with high-risk chronic diseases, students, and preschool children, to get vaccinated before the program opens to the general public.
Around 4,000 contracted hospitals across Taiwan provide vaccination services. To arrange a flu vaccine, people can consult local health department websites, the Taiwan CDC Anti-Flu website, and the CDC Line group, or call the Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline at 1922.
Taiwan is approaching the flu season, and next year’s Lunar New Year will arrive earlier than usual. People are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible to obtain adequate protection before the flu season peaks.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the CDC encouraged people to follow proper hygiene habits, such as mask-wearing and seeking medical treatment during flu-like symptoms.