TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Deputy Director-General Philip Lo said on Friday (March 15) that the flu vaccine supply in Taiwan is expected to be depleted by the end of the month, with approximately 30,000 doses remaining.
Additionally, despite a decrease in domestic COVID-19 cases, the CDC continues to emphasize the risk. Last week, a child did not receive the XBB. 1.5 vaccine passed away. The CDC urges everyone over six months, adolescents and adults, to get inoculated with the XBB COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible.
Since March 5, flu vaccines have been freely available to all residents over six months old who have not been vaccinated, a policy that will continue until supplies are exhausted. The overall vaccine utilization rate exceeds 99.4%, with an estimated 30,000 doses remaining.
Lo encourages high-risk groups, such as individuals over 65, preschool children, and healthcare professionals who wish to be vaccinated, to visit the CDC's or their local health department's website for information on medical facilities with flu vaccines in stock.
A day earlier, the CDC discussed a proposal to administer second doses of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Novavax) at an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting. The objective is to increase immunity for high-risk individuals, with a suggested gap of at least 12 weeks (84 days) between doses.
Lo stated that the timing for these second doses will be coordinated with local health authorities and could commence as early as April.
High-risk groups for COVID-19 include those over the age of 65, indigenous peoples aged 55-64, and patients over six months of age with weakened immune systems.
For further information on vaccination locations, residents can visit the CDC's "vaccination for the fall-winter period" (秋冬疫苗專區) on the official website or contact their local government's health department.