In recent years, advertisements about shingles — a viral disease, also known as herpes zoster or zona — and human papillomavirus (HPV) have been broadcast widely on television, often featuring unsettling images.
When my wife urged me to get the shingles vaccine last year, I learned that one dose costs NT$8,500. It requires a second dose after three months, bringing the total cost of complete vaccination to NT$17,000. Even for a high-risk, elderly individual over 70 years of age like myself, there is no government subsidy. It is no wonder that I rarely hear of elderly friends or family getting the vaccine — it is too expensive.
The HPV vaccine is reportedly available for free at school for middle school students, but it is also possible for adults to contract the virus. One dose costs between NT$3,000 and NT$4,000 — certainly enough to discourage low to middle-income households from getting vaccinated.
The government has already implemented public subsidies for many vaccines. Considering how terrifying the ads encouraging shingles and HPV shots are, the government should introduce partial subsidies to encourage the public to get vaccinated. It would be a shame if the vaccines are wasted because they eventually expire and need to be destroyed.
Wang Hsi-chang is a writer.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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