TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei's Department of Health (台北市衛生局) will launch 18 free flu vaccine stations across the city starting Thursday (Jan. 16) to encourage residents to get vaccinated before the Lunar New Year holiday. The department aims to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses during this peak season.
Health officials have identified the period leading up to and following the Lunar New Year as a high-risk time for flu outbreaks. They recommend that residents receive the flu vaccine and the latest COVID-19 JN.1 vaccine before traveling home or abroad for the holidays. Since Oct. 1, Taipei has recorded 41 severe flu cases and six deaths, with 92.7% involving individuals who did not receive the flu vaccine.
The Department of Health emphasizes that the vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective. They encourage young people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and vulnerable family members, such as older people and children. Taipei has over 40,000 doses available for residents aged six months and older.
In addition to the 374 contracted clinics citywide, the department will set up vaccination stations at busy locations, including MRT Shuanglian Station (雙連站), Longshan Temple Station (龍山寺站), and Dongmen Station (東門站), from Jan. 16 to Jan. 23. Residents can receive their vaccines by presenting their National Health Insurance card (健保卡).