The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) announced today (the 27th) that as of January 26 this year (115), the number of publicly funded influenza vaccine doses administered was about 6.694 million, with about 133,000 doses remaining nationwide. The cumulative COVID‑19 vaccine administrations were about 1.637 million, of which Novavax vaccinations were about 47,000. Recent large temperature fluctuations may increase the risk of disease transmission, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination to achieve sufficient protection. The CDC urges eligible individuals, especially high‑risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and patients with chronic diseases, to promptly receive publicly funded influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines to protect themselves and their families.
According to CDC monitoring data, in the third week of this year (Jan 18‑24) there were 110,501 influenza‑related emergency and outpatient visits, a 3.9% increase from the previous week, showing an upward trend recently. In the previous week (Jan 20‑26), 14 new severe influenza cases (11 H3N2, 3 type B) and 5 influenza‑related deaths (all H3N2) were reported. Laboratory surveillance indicates that the predominant respiratory pathogen circulating in the community is influenza virus, primarily type A H3N2, followed by type B and type A H1N1. In the current (114‑115) influenza season, there have been a cumulative 472 severe cases (119 H1N1, 343 H3N2, 1 unsubtyped A, 9 type B) and 93 deaths (24 H1N1, 67 H3N2, 1 unsubtyped A, 1 type B). Among the severe cases, the majority were persons aged 65 and older (63%) and those with chronic disease histories (83%); 87% had not received the season’s influenza vaccine. Global influenza activity is high; neighboring country South Korea has shown an upward trend recently, and many countries/regions are at relatively high levels or still experiencing moderate circulation. Moreover, the influenza positivity rates remain high in parts of Asia, Europe, North Africa, Central/South America, and the Caribbean. The dominant global strain is H3N2, while South America is experiencing co‑circulation of H3N2 and H1N1.
The CDC explained that the domestic COVID‑19 situation is currently at a low‑level fluctuation; in the third week there were 1,018 COVID‑19‑related emergency and outpatient visits, a 6.5% decrease from the previous week. Last week, five new severe domestic COVID‑19 cases were reported, with no new domestic deaths. Since October 2024, there have been a cumulative 59 severe domestic COVID‑19 cases, including six deaths; the severe cases were predominantly persons aged 65 and older (68%) and those with chronic disease histories (81%); 95% had not received the season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Globally, the recent COVID‑19 positivity rate has risen, especially in Africa and the Western Pacific region. The neighboring Hong Kong situation has slightly increased, while China, Japan, and South Korea have declined; other countries showing a clear upward trend include the United States, where the epidemic continues to rise, and Chile, which is at a peak. Currently, the globally dominant variant is XFG, while neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea have a high proportion of the NB.1.8.1 variant.
The CDC reminds those who have not yet received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine to take advantage of the expanded vaccination period from January 1 to February 28 and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Reports of adverse events following domestic COVID‑19 vaccination have fallen to levels comparable with those for influenza vaccines, and no safety concerns requiring immediate action have been observed. The public is urged not to worry about side effects based on past vaccination experiences, especially high‑risk groups such as persons aged 65 and older and those with chronic diseases who are prone to severe complications after infection. They should be vaccinated promptly and boost their immune protection early to reduce the risk of severe COVID‑19 complications.
The CDC calls on the public to strengthen prevention of influenza, COVID‑19, and other respiratory infections amid recent large temperature fluctuations. Practice frequent hand washing and cough etiquette; if fever or cough occurs, wear a mask and stay at home. If dangerous 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. The CDC also notes that influenza has entered its epidemic period; from January 20 to February 28 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, ensuring timely treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Compiled by: Infection Control Office
