Publicly funded influenza vaccines will be available to high-risk individuals from Saturday, Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director-General Shih Wen-yi (施文儀) said yesterday.
The center has prepared 2.66 million free shots to vaccinate high-risk groups, but will not be issuing the vaccines to the general public. Out of the 2.66 million vaccines, 230,000 shots are for children.
High-risk groups include those above 65 years of age, residents of nursing homes, those suffering from rare diseases or major illnesses, children from six months to 10 years old, medical and epidemic prevention staff, and those working in the livestock sector, Shih said.
Photo: CNA
People who do not belong to high-risk groups can assess their health situation and pay for vaccinations, he added.
Depending on the number of shots remaining at the end of next month, the shots may be made available in Novemeber to fifth and sixth graders, adult-onset-diabetes patients who are in the 50 to 64 age range, those suffering chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, and those with cardiovascular diseases or chronic lung diseases.
Shih suggested that parents with infants under six months of age should also be vaccinated.
The flu season usually starts in December and peaks just before the Lunar New Year, Shih said.
Influenza vaccines need at least a month before they become effective and generate enough antibodies to protect the body from infection. Shih said high-risk individuals should get publicly funded or paid vaccinations.
Hospitals are planning to open at different times on Saturday to deal with those requiring vaccination and the public should phone hospitals or double check opening times on the Internet, Shih said.
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