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Health department says more people will get free shots

More people will qualify for free shots as winter approaches, the Department of Health announced yesterday.

The announcement follows the provision of free flu shots to health care workers and senior citizens in September.

Health authorities are encouraging citizens aged 55 or over to have influenza vaccinations as a precaution against both the flu and SARS.

Department officials urged the public to be more vigilant towards the flu, which has initial symptoms similar to those of SARS.

Elderly people, especially those with diabetes, have a higher risk of getting the flu.

Others encouraged to get flu shots include health care workers such as pharmacists and school nurses.

People who are physically or mentally handicapped were also strongly urged to have vaccinations.

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of people catch the flu each year.

Annual costs for treatment of the illness amounts to an average NT$31.2 billion.

The officials said that if vaccinations can reduce the number of flu cases by 50 or 60 percent, then this would ease the work load of medical workers considerably.

This would allow more energy to be devoted to dealing with cases of SARS if they reoccur.

The department launched the first round of its flu vaccination campaign on Sept. 15.

It focused on health care workers, including doctors and nurses working at hospitals.

A second round, targeting people aged 65 or older, began on Sept. 22.

Meanwhile, public schools in Taipei City yesterday promoted influenza and SARS awareness by launching a temperature-taking drive yesterday.

Taking one's temperature regularly is one of several measures that can assist in guarding against another SARS outbreak.
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