The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) held a press conference on October 1, 2026 to launch the 115th year public‑funded influenza and COVID‑19 vaccination program titled “Left Flu, Right New: Protect Lungs, Guard Heart”. Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chong‑liang attended in person, along with Secretary‑General Zhang Shuqing of the Republic of China Elderly Welfare Promotion Alliance (hereafter referred to as the Elder Alliance), CDC Director Luo Yijun, Deputy Director Lin Mingcheng, as well as a new mother with her baby under six months, professional basketball cheerleader Ke En and her 2‑year‑old daughter Yun‑a, who all attended. Minister Shi, the new mother, and Yun‑a were the first to receive vaccinations on site, jointly urging eligible public‑funded individuals to receive both influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines to obtain the dual protection of “protecting lungs and guarding heart”.
Minister Shi explained that autumn and winter are peak seasons for influenza and COVID‑19, especially for the elderly, young children, and high‑risk chronic disease patients, who have higher risks of severe illness and death. Therefore, this year the public‑funded influenza vaccine procurement totals 7,051,500 doses (including 6,849,360 standard influenza vaccine doses and 207,900 enhanced influenza vaccine doses), marking the first time procurement exceeds 7 million doses. The enhanced influenza vaccine will be prioritized for public‑funded vaccination of seniors aged 65 and over in long‑term care and nursing facilities. The COVID‑19 vaccine procurement totals 2,400,000 doses, including 2,200,000 doses of Moderna (comprising 1,900,000 single‑dose vials and 300,000 multi‑dose vials) and 200,000 doses of Novavax. The single‑dose version, applicable for those aged 12 and above, has been fully upgraded to a next‑generation COVID‑19 vaccine, with side effects halved and providing better immune protection. Because influenza and COVID‑19 viruses continue to mutate, the public is advised to receive both influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines each year, seize the vaccination schedule and get vaccinated early to obtain the best protection.
Secretary‑General Zhang of the Elder Alliance stated that Taiwan has entered a super‑aged society, and seniors are a high‑risk group for severe influenza and COVID‑19. This year the government is providing the enhanced influenza vaccine for the first time, prioritizing seniors aged 65 and above in long‑term care and nursing facilities, which better meets seniors’ health needs. She also reiterated the call for elders to receive both influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines simultaneously to achieve double protection.
The CDC noted that this year’s public‑funded influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines will be rolled out in two phases. Phase one, starting October 1, targets seniors aged 65 and above, indigenous people aged 55 and above, preschool children (influenza for children aged 6 months up to before elementary school; COVID‑19 for children who have never received a COVID‑19 vaccine, aged 6 months up to under 6 years), high‑risk individuals, pregnant women, parents or actual caregivers of infants under 6 months, staff of nursing/long‑term care facilities, medical and epidemic‑prevention personnel, and staff of kindergartens and childcare institutions. Phase two, starting November 2, further opens vaccination for adults aged 50 and above without high‑risk chronic diseases to receive influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines.
Currently, nearly 4,000 contracted clinics nationwide provide public‑funded vaccination services. The public can consult nearby clinics via local government health bureau websites, the CDC official website, LINE@ CDC Home, or by calling the 1922 epidemic‑prevention consultation hotline, and it is recommended to call in advance to confirm or make an appointment. When going for vaccination, one should bring the National Health Insurance card and relevant documents such as the child health handbook, pregnant women’s health handbook, etc.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
