In response to a physician’s claim that COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer necessary, Taiwan’s CDC has warned that such statements could endanger public health. The agency also dismissed allegations of inflated data on severe cases and deaths, stating there is no possibility or reason for fabrication by medical institutions or health authorities.
Taiwanese media recently reported that Taiwan Counter Contagious Disease Society President Dr. Jen-Hsien Wang (王任賢) said at a press conference that the current COVID-19 wave was “artificially inflated,” and called vaccination an ineffective measure, stating, “We’ve already had plenty of vaccines—enough is enough.”
CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) responded on Friday that although COVID-19 has been downgraded to a Category IV notifiable disease and only severe cases must now be reported, the CDC still supplies antiviral medications for doctors to prescribe.
Lo called Wang’s comment “a dangerous suggestion” that runs counter to expert advice and could mislead the public. The WHO has confirmed that the JN.1 vaccine remains effective, and studies show that updated boosters reduce severe illness and death, especially among older adults. As for claims of inflated data, he said they are baseless. All reported numbers follow strict guidelines and surveillance systems, leaving no room for exaggeration.
The CDC urges all individuals, especially those aged 65 and older, to get the latest JN.1 vaccine before the current wave peaks, including a second dose if six months have passed.