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Free flu shot offer for elderly extended

"Although this year's vaccination rate is higher than last year's, 20 percent of the flu vaccine has not yet been used."

Yan Jer-jea, director of the Center for Disease Control's Division of Immunization

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced yesterday it would extend the period of free flu vaccinations for the elderly because not all of the vaccine has been used.

The CDC's statistics shows almost 58 percent of people over the age of 65 received the free shots by Nov. 22. The vaccination program was supposed to run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.

"Although this year's vaccination rate is higher than last year's, 20 percent of the flu vaccine has not yet been used," said Yan Jer-jea (顏哲傑), director of the center's Division of Immunization.

Yan said last year's vaccination program for the elderly was very popular.

"Therefore, we bought more vaccine for the elderly this year," Yan said.

The center said the free shots will be available until supplies run out. It also said that local health departments could decide whether to expand the free vaccination service to the disabled and those who hold the serious disease cards issued by health insurance bureaus.

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.

However, Yan said the center has no plan to extend the free vaccination program to children.

"We need to consider very carefully whom we should provide the vaccines for," Yan said.

The CDC said the vaccination program can reduce the flu complication rate by 50 to 60 percent and the death rate from influenza among the elderly by 80 percent.

"The flu vaccines are very effective," a center statement said.

The CDC has also called on local health departments to have nurses make home visits to give the flu shots to elderly people who have difficulty traveling.
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