Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s (徐熙媛) death earlier this month from complications of influenza-induced pneumonia while on a trip to Japan has caused a sudden uptick in demand for the flu vaccine, which many — even those in at-risk groups — used to shun. It is clear that Hsu’s death has raised public awareness about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, which is rather sad.
Both the government and medical professionals had strongly urged and earnestly advised everyone to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. However, the public took the threat lightly and the vaccination rate remained quite low, leading to a surplus of vaccines. As a result, the government on Jan. 1 started offering free vaccinations to all citizens regardless of age or health conditions. It is a shame that the promotion efforts of the government and medical professionals were not as effective or convincing as the death of a female celebrity — evidently, the public does not learn until it is too late.
The flu epidemic occurs annually — therefore, members of the public are encouraged to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible beginning in October each year. Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective method to avoid contracting the disease, in addition to other preventive measures such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask in public and avoiding crowded places.
As soon as you begin experiencing flu symptoms, it is important to promptly seek medical attention and take antiviral medication early to prevent severe flu complications. Taiwan’s healthcare system is extremely convenient and allows for timely medical care — something that many other countries lack. Taiwanese should be grateful for our National Health Insurance system. Oftentimes, people can find a doctor and receive quick treatment at any time — day or night, even on holidays — without having to make an appointment.
An important issue relevant to the flu is that the Legislative Yuan recently slashed the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s promotion and advertising budget — which is used to increase public awareness and knowledge about diseases — by 60 percent. Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Philip Lo (羅一鈞) was forced to speak out and call for action, as he believed this would be detrimental to the control of infectious diseases.
Such arbitrary budget cuts would make it even more difficult to disseminate knowledge about the flu epidemic and the importance of getting vaccinated to the public, thereby increasing the likelihood of flu outbreaks.
The Legislative Yuan should not cut the budget for infectious diseases and influenza prevention. In doing so, it is disregarding the health of the public.
Lin Yung-zen is the director of the Taiwan Primary Care Association.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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