The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) said today (the 3rd) that the respiratory pathogens currently circulating in the community are still primarily influenza viruses, with both type A and type B influenza co‑circulating, and the national supply of flu vaccine remains only about 73,000 doses; additionally, the publicly funded COVID‑19 vaccines available domestically are Moderna and Novavax, both with ample stock, about 806,000 doses of Moderna and about 172,000 doses of Novavax. The measure to expand publicly funded COVID‑19 vaccination to all people aged 6 months and older nationwide has been extended until April 30 of this year. The agency urges those who have not yet received this season’s flu and COVID‑19 vaccines, especially seniors aged 65 and above and high‑risk groups with chronic diseases, to get vaccinated promptly.
The CDC noted that as of today (the 115th year) March 2, about 6.755 million doses of publicly funded flu vaccine have been administered this flu season. In addition, cumulative COVID‑19 vaccine administrations this season total about 1.666 million, including about 53,000 administrations of the Novavax vaccine. Receiving a COVID‑19 vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent severe COVID‑19 complications, and the two publicly funded COVID‑19 vaccine brands supplied domestically are safe and effective against the currently dominant variants both at home and abroad. The expanded provision of publicly funded COVID‑19 vaccination to all individuals aged 6 months and older nationwide has been extended until April 30 of this year. The agency urges those who have not yet received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine to take advantage of the extended vaccination period, get vaccinated actively, boost immune protection, and safeguard their own and their families' health.
According to CDC monitoring data, in week 8 (Feb 22‑Feb 28) influenza‑like illness visits to emergency and outpatient departments totaled 94,085, an increase of 59.4% from the previous week, mainly due to the resumption of outpatient services after the Lunar New Year holiday; further observation of subsequent epidemic changes is needed. In the previous week (Feb 24‑Mar 2) there were 10 new severe influenza cases (9 H3N2, 1 untyped A) and 6 influenza‑related deaths (5 H3N2, 1 B). Laboratory surveillance shows that the respiratory pathogens circulating in the community are still dominated by influenza viruses, predominantly type A (including H1N1 and H3N2), with the proportion of type B continuing to rise and the number of laboratory‑positive specimens for weeks 5‑6 already exceeding those for A‑H3N2. In the current (114‑115) flu season, a total of 555 severe cases (123 H1N1, 410 H3N2, 2 untyped A, 20 B) and 111 deaths (25 H1N1, 83 H3N2, 1 untyped A, 2 B) have been recorded, with severe cases mainly among seniors aged 65 and over (61%) and individuals with chronic disease histories (83%); 83% of them had not received this season’s flu vaccine. While the global influenza positivity rate has declined, neighboring Japan and South Korea have recently reached peaks, with type B being the predominant strain; China and Hong Kong are seeing rising cases, mainly H3N2, although the proportion of type B influenza is increasing in northern Chinese provinces. In addition, some countries in Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean continue to have high influenza positivity rates; globally, type A remains the dominant strain, with type B also increasing.
The CDC explained that the domestic COVID‑19 situation is currently fluctuating at a low level; in week 8, COVID‑19 emergency and outpatient visits totaled 1,027, an increase from the previous week, mainly due to the resumption of outpatient services after the Lunar New Year holiday. In the previous week, there were 2 new severe domestic COVID‑19 cases, with no new domestic deaths. Since October 2024, a total of 68 severe domestic COVID‑19 cases have been recorded, including 10 deaths; severe cases were mainly among seniors aged 65 and over (72%) and those with chronic disease histories (81%), and 93% had not received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. The global COVID‑19 positivity rate has risen slightly in recent weeks, with a noticeable increase in the Americas; neighboring China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are seeing declines, as is the United States, while Brazil is experiencing an increase. Globally, the XFG variant currently has the highest proportion, whereas neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea have a higher proportion of the NB.1.8.1 variant.
The CDC urges that, because early‑spring temperatures are variable and gatherings continue with schools reopening and Lantern Festival events, the risk of respiratory infectious disease transmission is increasing. The public is reminded to strengthen prevention of influenza, COVID‑19 and other respiratory infections by washing hands frequently, practicing cough etiquette, and wearing a mask and staying at home if fever or cough occurs. If dangerous symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness appear, seek medical attention promptly and follow the physician’s instructions for medication to reduce the risk of severe complications.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Infection Control Office
