The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 7th) that to enhance health protection for high‑risk groups with severe disease, referencing international vaccination recommendations and discussions from the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Advisory Committee’s Vaccination Group (ACIP) meeting, starting today (April 7), an additional dose of COVID‑19 vaccine will be offered to seniors aged 65 and over, Indigenous people aged 55‑64, and patients aged 6 months or older with immunodeficiency or weakened immunity, with a 180‑day interval between the two doses; about 750,000 seniors aged 65 and over can receive the second dose by the end of April this year (115), and the public meeting the vaccination criteria are urged to get vaccinated enthusiastically. In addition, those who have not yet been vaccinated are also asked to join the vaccination effort to build immune protection.
The CDC explained that the domestic COVID‑19 situation is currently at a low‑point fluctuation; in week 13, COVID‑19 emergency and outpatient visits totaled 904, a 4.9% increase from the previous week; last week there were 2 new domestic cases of COVID‑19 with severe complications, with no new domestic deaths. Since October 2025, there have been a cumulative 79 domestic COVID‑19 cases with severe complications, including 10 deaths; severe cases were mostly seniors aged 65 and over (72%) and those with chronic disease histories (81%), and 92% were unvaccinated for the current season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Globally, the recent COVID‑19 positivity rate has been declining, but the Eastern Mediterranean region shows a clear increase; neighboring China and Hong Kong are fluctuating at low levels, Japan’s situation is decreasing, and Canada’s is also decreasing. Globally, the variant XFG currently has the highest proportion, while neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan have a high proportion of NB.1.8.1.
According to CDC monitoring data, in week 13 (3/29‑4/4) influenza‑related emergency and outpatient visits totaled 88,740, a 10.7% decrease from the previous week; last week (3/31‑4/6) there were 5 new severe influenza cases (1 H1N1, 2 H3N2, 2 B) and 2 influenza‑related deaths (both H3N2). Laboratory surveillance shows that the predominant respiratory pathogens circulating in the community are influenza viruses, mainly type B. In the current (2025‑2026) influenza season, there have been 605 severe influenza cases (128 H1N1, 432 H3N2, 2 unsubtyped A, 43 B), of which 121 resulted in death (26 H1N1, 92 H3N2, 1 unsubtyped A, 2 B). Severe cases were mostly seniors aged 65 and over (60%) and those with chronic disease histories (81%), and 81% were unvaccinated for the current season’s influenza vaccine. Globally, influenza positivity rates are decreasing, with type B being the main circulating strain. In neighboring countries/regions, China shows an upward trend, while Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are stable or decreasing; South Korea fluctuates. Except for Hong Kong, where A(H3N2) and B co‑circulate, other areas are dominated by type B. Additionally, some countries in Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, West Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean still have high influenza positivity rates.
The CDC reminds that the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission continues both domestically and internationally. Over 90% of domestic COVID‑19 complications occurred in individuals who had not received the current season’s COVID‑19 vaccine, predominantly seniors aged 65 and over and those with chronic disease histories. Because vaccine protection wanes over time, all COVID‑19 vaccines are available for booster doses. The CDC urges high‑risk individuals who are at least 6 months (180 days) past their last dose to get vaccinated together with their families, to promptly arrange a second dose or a first dose of a COVID‑19 vaccine. Depending on the eligible age, they may choose either the Moderna or Novavax vaccine currently supplied domestically, and they may also mix brands with the first dose to enhance immune protection and reduce disease threat. At the same time, the public is urged to strengthen prevention against influenza, COVID‑19, and other respiratory infections by practicing frequent hand washing, cough etiquette, and wearing a mask and resting at home when fever or cough occurs. If severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness appear, seek medical care promptly and follow the physician’s instructions for medication to reduce the risk of severe complications and protect personal and family health.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
