Taipei City Government

The government-funded flu vaccines are being administered in two separate stages this year. Phase 2 begins on November 15, targeting individuals between the ages of 50 and 64 who do not have high risk chronic diseases. Those meeting the criteria can receive their shots at any of the 339 commissioned hospitals and clinics. There are also 114 community vaccine stops in Taipei City that offer the service.
 
The Department of Health (DOH) noted that over 420,000 people have already been inoculated during Phase 1. This year, the city government has plans to set up 534 temporary community vaccination stations. A total of 419 sessions has been held, helping to vaccinate 62,060 elders above the age of 65. Among these senior citizens, 5,129 received their pneumococcal shots at the same time as their flu shot.
 
For information on the remaining 114 community vaccine stops, please check with the local borough offices, district health centers, or the website of DOH.
 
With the arrival of winter, the temperature has seen a significant drop over the past few days. This led to a rise in the activity of viruses targeting the respiratory system. Hospitals report a rise in patients with respiratory-related issues between November and March. Vaccines offer the best protection against flu, boosting immunity anywhere from 30 to 80 percent. It also reduces the rate of hospitalization by 41% and provides 82% protection against severe symptoms.
 
To help boost the protection for those belonging to high risk groups, DOH reminds the public to plan ahead of time, since vaccines usually takes about 2 weeks before taking effect. Also, a gap of at least 2 weeks is required between the intake of COVID-19 vaccines and other types of vaccines.
 
For more information about flu or COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the Chinese website of DOH (Link). You can also call either the Taipei City Pandemic Prevention Hotline (02-2375-3782) or the 1999 Citizens’ Hotline.