Taiwan has experienced a steady rise in COVID-19 cases over the past four weeks, with reports of severe illnesses continuing. China Medical University Hospital’s Infectious Disease Control Center Deputy Director Dr. Hwang Kao-pin (黃高彬), noted that COVID-19 has a death rate 10 to 12 times higher than that of influenza. He urged elderly citizens to receive the JN.1 vaccine, which is effective in reducing the risk of severe illness and death, to enhance their protection.
Last week saw 1,900 emergency room visits, a 4.9% increase from the previous week, alongside new severe cases. Since October of last year, Taiwan has recorded 537 severe COVID-19 cases resulting in 114 deaths, primarily affecting individuals over 65 and those with chronic health conditions. Notably, over 96% of severe cases occurred in people who had not received the JN.1 vaccine.
Dr. Hwang explained that as COVID-19 variants evolve, the virus increasingly attaches to human cells, making infections easier. Elderly patients, particularly those with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, are at a higher risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, which has a mortality rate of approximately 1.2%. Their weakened immune systems also heighten the risk of bacterial co-infections, potentially leading to sepsis and death.
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that since October, over 2 million doses of the JN.1 vaccine have been administered, resulting in an 8.65% national vaccination rate. Among those aged 65 and older, only 17.95% have been vaccinated. Beginning April 8, second JN.1 doses will be available for high-risk groups, including individuals who are over 65, immunocompromised, and immunodeficient, provided six months have passed since their first dose.