The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) stated today (the 30th) that the domestic and international COVID-19 situation continues to rise, and the summer vacation travel peak is
approaching, increasing the risk of virus transmission. The publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine currently used in our country still provides protection against the prevailing virus strains
and those who plan to travel but have not yet been vaccinated can seize the opportunity to get vaccinated promptly to obtain sufficient protection.
According to CDC statistics, the domestic COVID-19 situation is rising. In week 25 (June 21–27), the total number of COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits was 1,452
visits, an increase of 43.8% from the previous week; last week (June 23–29) there were 8 new domestic cases of COVID-19 with severe complications, and no new
additional domestic deaths. Since October 2025, a total of 105 domestic cases of COVID-19 with severe complications have been recorded, including 16 deaths,
Severe cases were predominantly among seniors aged 65 and over (71.4%) and individuals with chronic disease histories (81.9%); 94.3% had not received this season’s
season’s COVID-19 vaccine. Globally, the recent COVID-19 positivity rate has risen slightly, with the West Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions showing a noticeable increase in positivity rates;
Neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan are experiencing rising outbreaks, while South Korea's situation fluctuates at a low level. Globally, the
current dominant variant is NB.1.8.1, followed by BA.3.2 and JN.1; neighboring countries such as China and Hong Kong have a high proportion of NB.1.8.1.
Additionally, as of June 28, 2026, cumulative COVID-19 vaccinations this season total approximately 1.728 million doses,
with seniors aged 65 and over having vaccination rates of 20.97% for the first dose and 0.48% for the second dose.
The CDC reminds that the publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine is currently being offered to all individuals nationwide who are at least 6 months (180 days) old,
through July 31 of this year, and the vaccine stockpile still contains about 461,000 doses (including 455,000 single-dose Moderna vaccines
and 6,000 doses of Novavax vaccine). The public can seize the opportunity to get vaccinated promptly, and seniors aged 65 and over and other high‑risk
groups who have not yet been vaccinated or have received only the first dose with a six‑month interval are also urged to vaccinate as soon as possible to enhance immune protection.
Additionally, the multi‑dose Moderna vaccine for young children has been exhausted; the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Infectious Disease Control Advisory Committee
Vaccination Working Group (ACIP) discussed and agreed at the June 24 meeting this year that for children aged 6 months and
An 11-year-old child can have the remaining half dose of a single‑dose Moderna vaccine provided for infant vaccination.
The CDC urges that the global COVID‑19 pandemic is still ongoing, and the public should not be complacent; be sure to practice frequent hand washing, wear masks, and get
vaccines, etc., for self‑protection.
Individuals with risk factors for severe disease (such as those aged 65 and above, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune function
) are high‑risk groups for developing severe complications. If suspected symptoms appear, they should seek medical attention promptly; after evaluation by a physician, antiviral medication should be prescribed
to treat, reducing the risk of severe complications or death after infection. The public can also go to convenience stores or pharmacies that sell home‑use
rapid test kits to purchase kits for self‑testing, facilitating subsequent medical diagnosis; currently, antiviral drug stockpiles are
sufficient, with oral antivirals (Paxlovid, Molnupiravir) still having 113,000 courses, and injectable Remdesivir also has
a stock of 156,000 doses. County and city health bureaus will dynamically allocate based on usage at each distribution point; please the public remain
calm.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Compiled by: Surveillance Office
