The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) said today (the 10th) that as of today (February 9, year 115) the number of publicly funded influenza vaccinations administered was about 6.735 million doses, with about 93,000 doses of vaccine remaining nationwide. The cumulative number of COVID‑19 vaccine doses administered was about 1.656 million, including about 51,000 doses of the Novavax vaccine. Because a cold front has arrived recently and the Lunar New Year holiday is approaching, with frequent travel and family reunions, the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission has increased. Currently, the remaining supply of influenza vaccine is limited, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination to achieve sufficient protection. The CDC reminds eligible people, especially those aged 65 and older and high‑risk groups with chronic diseases, to get COVID‑19 and influenza vaccinations as soon as possible before the Lunar New Year holiday, to stay healthy for the new year.
The CDC explained that to balance the public’s need for infectious‑disease medical services during the Lunar New Year period with the capacity and quality of emergency and critical care, it is rewarding emergency‑responsibility hospitals that open special infectious‑disease outpatient clinics (referred to as “special clinics”) from the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year, which can treat a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. According to the health bureau’s report on February 6, a total of 163 hospitals are cooperating to open special clinics, planning about 1,372 appointments {February 17 (Day 1): 447 appointments, February 18 (Day 2): 453 appointments, February 19 (Day 3): 472 appointments} (the latest information is subject to each county‑city health bureau’s announcement), which is higher than in previous years. Information on hospitals and appointment numbers for the special clinics has been posted on the CDC’s global website 【Lunar New Year Epidemic‑Prevention Zone – Inquiry of Special Infectious‑Disease Outpatient Clinics by County/City】 ( https://gov.tw/gvq ) and on the websites of the various health bureaus for public reference. The CDC thanks local governments and hospitals for their cooperation in coordinating the opening of special clinics, safeguarding citizens’ right to medical care during the Lunar New Year, and maintaining the capacity and quality of emergency and critical care.
According to CDC surveillance data, in week 5 of this year (February 1‑7) influenza‑like illness visits to emergency and outpatient departments totaled 110,870, a 6.9% decrease from the previous week; in the last week (February 3‑9) there were 32 new cases of severe influenza complications (1 H1N1, 27 H3N2, 4 type B) and 3 deaths from severe influenza complications (all H3N2). Laboratory surveillance shows that the predominant respiratory pathogen circulating in the community is influenza virus, mainly type A H3N2, followed by type B and type A H1N1. In the current (114‑115) influenza season, there have been a cumulative 529 severe cases (121 H1N1, 388 H3N2, 2 unsubtyped A, 18 type B) and 97 deaths (24 H1N1, 71 H3N2, 1 unsubtyped A, 1 type B). Among the severe cases, the majority were persons aged 65 years or older (60%) and those with chronic disease histories (82%); 84% had not received this season’s influenza vaccine. The global influenza positivity rate has declined, but neighboring South Korea and Japan have shown recent increases; South Korea is experiencing a B‑type surge, while Japan has co‑circulation of H3N2 and B. In addition, some countries in Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean still have high influenza positivity rates. The main global circulating strain is H3N2, while Central America sees co‑circulation of H3N2 and H1N1.
The CDC explained that the domestic COVID‑19 situation is currently at a low‑level fluctuation; in week 5, COVID‑19 emergency and outpatient visits totaled 1,035, an 8.8% increase from the previous week. In the last week, three new domestic cases of severe COVID‑19 complications were reported, with no new domestic deaths. Since October of year 114 there have been a cumulative 63 domestic cases of severe COVID‑19 complications, including six deaths; the severe cases were mainly persons aged 65 years or older (70%) and those with chronic disease histories (81%), and 92% had not received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Globally, the recent COVID‑19 positivity rate has risen slightly, with notable increases in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean region; neighboring China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia are seeing rising trends, while Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are declining. Currently, the variant XFG accounts for the highest proportion of circulating strains worldwide, while neighboring countries/regions such as China, Japan and South Korea have a high proportion of the NB.1.8.1 variant.
The CDC reminds that the remaining supply of influenza vaccine is limited. It recommends that the public first check the websites of local health bureaus, the CDC’s influenza and COVID‑19 vaccine and antiviral map (https://vaxmap.cdc.gov.tw), the CDC app “Disease Control Home” or the 1922 epidemic‑prevention consultation hotline to find nearby contracted medical facilities, then call the facilities to inquire about appointments, to ensure vaccine availability and save waiting time. Those who have not yet received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine should take advantage of the expanded vaccination period from January 1 to February 28 and get vaccinated promptly; in addition, the pneumococcal vaccine can be administered at a different site at the same time as influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines, without any required interval.
The CDC urges that, due to recent large temperature fluctuations, the public should strengthen prevention of influenza, COVID‑19 and other respiratory infections by washing hands frequently, practicing cough etiquette, and wearing a mask and staying home when experiencing fever or cough. If severe warning signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness occur, seek medical care promptly and follow the physician’s instructions for medication to reduce the risk of severe complications. In addition, from January 20 to February 28 this year the CDC has expanded the criteria for publicly funded influenza antiviral medication; patients deemed eligible by a physician can receive the medication without a rapid test, to ensure timely treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Surveillance Office
