TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccines began last week with strong early uptake, signaling robust public demand.

The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that on Oct. 1 about 264,000 people received flu shots, the highest first-day total in nearly four years. On the same day, roughly 82,000 received COVID-19 vaccines, more than double the same period last year, per UDN.

By Oct. 6, the CDC reported around 1.06 million flu vaccinations and 295,000 COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered. In Hualien’s Guangfu area, 860 residents and related staff received flu shots, and 287 received COVID-19 vaccines.

The flu vaccination program is rolling out in two phases. Phase one, which started Oct. 1, covers people aged 65 and over, children aged six months to pre-primary school, and individuals with underlying conditions. Phase two, beginning Nov. 1, will expand eligibility to adults aged 50–64 without high-risk chronic illnesses.

The CDC also extended access to publicly funded antiviral flu medications. Patients meeting doctor-assessed criteria can receive treatment without a rapid flu test to ensure timely care.

The agency said vaccines are beneficial, convenient, and safe, and reminded residents to practice good hand hygiene and stay home if flu-like symptoms appear.