TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) reported a surge in flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on Friday (Oct. 3). Since October 1, 550,000 flu shots and 160,000 COVID-19 shots have been administered, reflecting a threefold increase from the same period last year. The increase is attributed to heightened public awareness and early flu season concerns.
Local governments and healthcare institutions administered 285,750 flu shots and 73,023 COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday (Oct. 2), according to CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-Hui (曾淑慧). The CDC procured 6.86 million doses of trivalent flu vaccines and reduced COVID-19 vaccine purchases to approximately 3 million doses, targeting a smaller group for public vaccinations.
Last year, authorities administered only 49,699 flu shots and 6,290 COVID-19 vaccines on the second day. Tseng highlighted this year's vaccination numbers are three to 3.5 times higher, indicating a remarkable rise in public participation and trust. Factors include the death of Taiwanese celebrity Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛) from the flu and the early flu season onset, increasing public awareness and prompting preventive vaccinations.
The flu epidemic's progression in October is closely linked to vaccination rates. Current vaccination drive offers free flu and COVID-19 shots to eligible individuals across Taiwan. Officials emphasize vaccines require two weeks to develop immunity and have expanded access to antiviral medications to mitigate the outbreak's impact. Public health officials continue to encourage vaccinations to safeguard against both flu and COVID-19. ◼