TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chiayi County announced on Monday that it will provide free shingles vaccines to low- and middle-income individuals aged 70 and above who have been registered residents of the county for at least one year.

The Chiayi County Health Bureau said the vaccination program could be expanded depending on the municipal government's financial situation. Approximately 600 elderly residents are expected to benefit from the initiative, per CNA.

Chiayi County Councilor Chiang Mei-hong (姜梅紅) shared her personal experience with shingles, saying multiple infections had damaged the cornea of her left eye, requiring a cornea transplant. She also suffers from recurring neuralgia and urged elderly residents to get vaccinated.

Chiayi County Health Bureau Director Chao Wen-hua (趙紋華) noted that the shingles vaccine has previously been self-paid, with each dose costing around NT$8,500 (US$258), and a full vaccination requiring two doses. This cost presents a significant financial burden for economically disadvantaged elderly individuals.

Chao said fully subsidizing the vaccine for all residents over 65 would place too much strain on county finances, but the government remains committed to evaluating future expansions of the program.

Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) warned that shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is often treated with dangerous folk remedies. He urged residents to seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

Chao said that 99.5% of adults over 50 have been infected with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes both chickenpox and shingles, and that one-third of them may develop shingles in their lifetime. The disease typically manifests as painful blisters, and some patients experience long-term neuralgia, which can significantly impact daily life.

Doctors emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent shingles.