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COVID-19

Taiwan Expands Publicly Funded Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Centers for Disease Control in Taipei announced the second phase of publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, expanding eligibility to adults aged 50-64. This phase will begin on November 1, with participating retailers offering convenient vaccination stations at select locations. Despite a decline in flu cases, the CDC reported 38 new severe flu cases and 13 related deaths, with influenza remaining at an epidemic level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The second phase of publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will begin on November 1, expanding eligibility to adults aged 50-64.
  • Vaccination stations will be available at 120 PX Mart branches and 32 Carrefour branches across Taiwan on select dates.
  • Participants receiving vaccines at these sites will also receive special health gifts from the retailers.
  • Taiwan recorded 110,442 outpatient and emergency visits for influenza between October 19-25, a 15.6% decrease from the previous week.
  • Despite the decline, the CDC reported 38 new severe flu cases, including 13 caused by H1N1, 24 by H3N2, and one unclassified subtype A.
  • The CDC reported 13 related deaths, including 2 in the past week.
  • COVID-19 cases in Taiwan continue to trend downward, with 1,348 outpatient and emergency visits reported last week, a 26% drop compared to the previous week.
  • The NB.1.8.1 variant remains the dominant strain domestically and globally, particularly in Europe and Africa.
  • Nearby regions, including Japan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong, also report a high proportion of NB.1.8.1 infections.
  • As of October 27, a total of 3.97 million flu shots and 891,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered under the public program.
  • The CDC urges citizens to get vaccinated early to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

Statistics:

  • 110,442 outpatient and emergency visits for influenza between October 19-25.
  • 15.6% decrease in outpatient and emergency visits for influenza from the previous week.
  • 38 new severe flu cases reported, including:

+ 13 caused by H1N1.

+ 24 caused by H3N2.

+ 1 unclassified subtype A.

  • 13 related deaths.
  • 1,348 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID-19 last week, a 26% drop compared to the previous week.
  • 3.97 million flu shots administered as of October 27.
  • 891,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered as of October 27.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control, Taipei.
  • CDC vaccine map website.
  • 1922 epidemic prevention hotline.

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