TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan health authorities have approved an updated COVID vaccination strategy encouraging seniors and other high-risk groups to receive two doses to strengthen protection.

The Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday that, in line with international recommendations, an additional COVID vaccine dose will be offered to seniors aged 65 and older, Indigenous people aged 55 to 64, and individuals aged 6 months and older with compromised immunity, per a press release.

Approximately 750,000 seniors are expected to be eligible by the end of April. The CDC urged those who qualify to get vaccinated and encouraged unvaccinated individuals to receive their first dose. The two doses should be administered 180 days apart.

The agency said COVID activity in Taiwan remains low but fluctuating. From March 29 to April 4, there were 904 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID, a 4.9% increase from the previous week.

During the same period, health authorities reported two new local cases of severe COVID complications, with no new deaths. Since October, Taiwan has recorded 79 locally transmitted severe cases, including 10 deaths.

Most severe cases involved individuals aged 65 and older (72%) and those with underlying chronic conditions (81%). The agency said more than 90% of severe COVID cases this season occurred in people who had not been vaccinated, primarily seniors and those with chronic illnesses.

The agency urged high-risk individuals who received their vaccinations at least six months ago to get another dose as vaccine-induced protection wanes over time. Families are also encouraged to arrange vaccinations for elderly members and young children as soon as possible.

Available vaccine options in Taiwan include Moderna and Novavax. Individuals may choose either brand, including one different from their initial dose, to enhance immune protection and reduce the risk of severe illness.

Globally, COVID positivity rates are trending downward, except for a rise in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Nearby areas such as China and Hong Kong are experiencing low-level fluctuations, while Japan and Canada are seeing declining trends. The XFG variant is currently the most prevalent worldwide, while NB.1.8.1 is dominant in neighboring regions.

Meanwhile, influenza activity in Taiwan is also declining. The agency reported 88,740 outpatient and emergency visits for influenza-like illness, down 10.7% from the previous week.

There were five new severe influenza cases — one H1N1, two H3N2, and two influenza B — as well as two deaths linked to H3N2.

So far this flu season, Taiwan has recorded 605 severe influenza cases and 121 deaths. Most severe cases occurred in individuals over 65 (60%) and those with chronic illnesses (81%), with 81% involving people who had not received a flu vaccine this season.

Laboratory data show influenza viruses remain the dominant respiratory pathogens in the community, with type B the most prevalent strain.

Globally, influenza positivity rates are declining, with type B predominating. China is seeing a slight increase, while Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan report stable or declining trends. South Korea’s situation remains variable.

The agency urged the public to maintain preventive measures against both COVID and influenza, including frequent handwashing and proper cough etiquette. People experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and rest at home.

Those with severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness should seek immediate medical attention and follow medical advice to reduce the risk of complications and protect public health.