Nationwide flu shot eligibility opens in Taiwan for all ages

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's government-funded influenza vaccination program begins Tuesday (March 5), following the end of recent lantern festivals across the country, which the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) fears could lead to a resurgence of the flu.

The vaccine was initially available only to individuals over the age of 50. But starting Tuesday, unvaccinated individuals nationwide who are six months or older are eligible for the government-funded flu shots.

The CDC urges high-risk groups, including seniors over 65, preschool children, and medical staff, to get vaccinated promptly to protect not only themselves but also those around them.

CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo announced on Feb. 23 that the government-funded flu vaccines would be available to all citizens until supplies were exhausted. As of Feb. 27, there were about 70,000 doses of the vaccine left.

According to international research, the effectiveness of the seasonal flu vaccine varies with age and overall health condition. It ranges from 30 to 80 percent, reaching a level of 41 percent in adults over 18. However, its effectiveness is as high as 82 percent in critical care patients with severe influenza.