The government is offering free flu vaccines to all unvaccinated residents aged 6 months or older starting Jan. 1 until the supply is used up.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the expansion of its anti-influenza program in a news release today, saying that its goal is to maximize vaccine coverage before the flu season peaks in the coming weeks.
Photo: CNA
Taiwanese citizens and foreign nationals with an Alien Resident Certificate are now eligible for the service, the CDC said.
About 5.6 million vaccine doses have already been administered to higher-risk individuals since Oct. 1, it said.
About 960,000 doses of the vaccine are still available, and more than 4,000 healthcare vendors are facilitating the nationwide program, the CDC said.
The CDC urged residents to check its flu prevention Web site, download its mobile app or call its Epidemic Prevention Hotline on 0800-001-922 to locate a nearby healthcare provider participating in the program.
"Remember to vaccinate the whole family together to protect the young and old at home," the CDC said, adding that those age groups were most vulnerable to seasonal influenza.
The CDC reminded residents that although vaccines cannot completely prevent flu infections, they are the most effective method recommended by the WHO.
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