The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) stated on October 6, 2026 that the publicly funded influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines for fiscal year 115 officially began on October 1. As of October 5, about 1.062 million influenza vaccine doses and about 395,000 COVID‑19 vaccine doses have been administered, both higher than the same period last year (2025). With the Double Ten holiday approaching, travel during the long weekend increases interpersonal contact, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination to achieve sufficient protection. The public is urged to go to contracted medical facilities to receive influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines as early as possible, to gain protection promptly and safeguard the health of themselves and their families.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza situation remains steady but still in the epidemic period. In week 39 (September 27–October 3), influenza‑related emergency and outpatient visits totaled 139,060, a slight 1.4% decrease from the previous week. In the past week (September 29–October 5), there were 219 new influenza cases with severe complications (210 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 7 untyped A, 1 B) and 44 deaths (41 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 2 untyped A). Laboratory surveillance shows that the influenza viruses circulating in the community are mainly type A, with A(H1N1) accounting for 90.7%. In the current (115–116) influenza season, there have been 30 severe cases (all H1N1); in the previous (114–115) season, there were 1,862 severe cases (1,225 H1N1, 511 H3N2, 35 untyped A, 91 B) and 378 deaths (247 H1N1, 107 H3N2, 12 untyped A, 12 B). Among the severe cases, the majority were persons aged 65 and over (66.4%) and those with chronic medical conditions (83.6%); 67.2% had not received the season’s influenza vaccine. Regarding COVID‑19, the domestic situation has declined but remains in the epidemic period. In week 39 (September 27–October 3), COVID‑19 emergency and outpatient visits numbered 7,836, a 26.7% decrease compared with the previous 7 days (September 24–30). In the past week (September 29–October 5), there were 37 new locally acquired severe cases and 16 local deaths. In the current season (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027), there have been 12 local severe cases and no deaths. In the previous season (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026), there were 781 locally acquired severe COVID‑19 cases, including 163 deaths; severe cases were predominantly persons aged 65 and over (73.6%) and those with chronic conditions (83.0%), and 83.9% had not received the season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. In the past four weeks, the circulating local variants have been PQ.16.1.1 and NB.1.8.1.
The CDC urges high‑risk groups such as seniors, young children, and persons with chronic diseases to complete influenza and COVID‑19 vaccination as soon as possible to obtain protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and death after infection. The public is reminded that travel and gatherings increase during the holiday, so it is essential to practice proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette, consistently wash hands, wear masks when experiencing fever, cough or other influenza‑like symptoms, and stay home when ill. If any danger signs appear—such as rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood‑tinged sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, or low blood pressure—seek medical care promptly for timely treatment. Information on contracted medical institutions for COVID‑19 vaccination and related details can be found on the CDC’s official website under the “Fiscal Year 115 Influenza and New COVID‑19 Vaccine Section” or on the websites of local health bureaus.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Sensory Management Office
