Doctor claims elderly flu vaccinations will save cash

The National Health Insurance Bureau will save NT$570 million a year if everyone over the age of 65 receives a free influenza vaccine provided by the government, a top doctor said yesterday.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Vice Superintendent Huang Fu-yuan (黃富源) said a full program of flu vaccination for the elderly would reduce hospitalization rates by between 50 and 60 percent.

In a press conference aimed at boosting flu immunization, Huang said that in 1998 only 6.5 percent of the elderly reported side effects from the shots.

"Since Nov. 1, local governments have given free flu vaccines to the elderly at appointed hospitals," said Yan Jer-jea (顏哲傑), director of the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Division of Immunization.

"However, for some reason, this year the number of flu vaccines given has been poor," Yan said.

"Perhaps the government has not done enough to promote the vaccination program or perhaps people are concerned about the side effects of the vaccines," Yan said.

Yan added that government research shows the vaccination's known side-effects included skin redness, swelling, itching and aches.

"But only a small percentage of people suffered these side effects, which are usually mild. The vaccines the government provides are very safe," Yang said.

Yan stressed that nobody has died or suffered severe side effects because of flu vaccinations since the government launched the program in 1991.

Professor Lee Chin-yun (李慶雲) of National Taiwan University Hospital warned that flu symptoms are usually much more severe than a simple fever.

"Flu may cause complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis and asthma attacks," Lee said.

In Taiwan, flu outbreaks can occur at any time and usually last for more than two months, according to Lee.

"Most developed countries have flu vaccination programs. However, only 78 percent of the population in Taiwan over the age of 65 has received a flu vaccination this year," Lee said.

"I am worried that severe respiratory infection cases amongst the elderly might increase as a result," Lee warned.

Foreigners who hold Taiwan nationality may receive the free vaccination, though those with just residential rights cannot.

The CDC said it would consider whether to accommodate these people into the flu vaccination program next year.

Meanwhile, Huang Li-min (黃立民), a pediatrician at NTU Hospital, suggested the government also provide free flu vaccines for children suffering from pneumonia and asthma.

"Many parent and doctors are worried that flu vaccinations may have severe side effects for children suffering from pneumonia and asthma, but our research shows that this is not the case," Huang said.