Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported approximately 127,000 outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like symptoms in the first week of 2025, with 12.6% involving emergency cases, signaling an upward trend. The dominant flu strain this year is influenza A virus subtype H1N1. Data from 2023 reveals that flu vaccines reduce the risk of severe symptoms in individuals aged 65 and older by 75% and the risk of death by nearly 70%.
On Thursday, DPP Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu (王正旭) held a press conference with Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源), CDC Deputy Director-General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞), and Taiwan Medical Association Secretary-General Chang Pi-cheng (張必正). They urged high-risk groups—including seniors aged 65 and above, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses—to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccinations promptly to boost immunity and reduce risks before the Lunar New Year holiday.
Lo stated that publicly funded flu vaccines have been available since January 1 for unvaccinated individuals aged six months and older. Daily vaccination rates reach 27,000 to 30,000, with 600,000 doses remaining. He encouraged the public to take swift action to get inoculated.
On measles, Lo noted that 27,000 privately purchased vaccine doses are available, recommended for healthcare workers and travelers to high-risk countries like Vietnam and India. An additional 10,000 doses will arrive in February, ensuring adequate supply after the holiday.