The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (the 3rd) that as of February 2 of this year (115), the number of publicly funded influenza vaccinations administered was about 6.718 million, with approximately 110,000 doses of vaccine remaining nationwide. The cumulative COVID‑19 vaccinations administered were about 1.649 million, including about 49,000 doses of the Novavax vaccine. With the Lunar New Year approaching, domestic and international travel and movement are frequent, and the remaining supply of influenza vaccine is limited. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination to achieve sufficient protection, the CDC reminds eligible individuals—especially the elderly, young children, and patients with chronic diseases—to promptly schedule and receive influenza and COVID‑19 vaccinations before the holiday break to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.
According to CDC monitoring data, in week 4 of this year (January 25‑31) there were 116,281 influenza‑related emergency and outpatient visits, a 3.2% increase from the previous week, indicating a gradual upward trend. In the previous week (January 27‑February 2) there were 25 new cases of severe influenza complications (1 H1N1, 18 H3N2, 1 untyped A, 5 B) and one death from severe influenza (H3N2). Laboratory surveillance shows 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 497 severe cases (120 H1N1, 361 H3N2, 2 untyped A, 14 B) and 94 deaths (24 H1N1, 68 H3N2, 1 untyped A, 1 B). Severe cases were most common among those aged 65 years and older (61%) and individuals with chronic disease histories (83%); 86% had not received the season’s influenza vaccine. Global influenza activity remains high, with neighboring South Korea and Japan showing recent upward trends—South Korea experiencing a B‑type predominance, Japan seeing co‑circulation of H3N2 and B. Hong Kong and China are at relatively high or moderate levels. Additionally, influenza positivity rates remain high in parts of East/West Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean; the dominant global strain is H3N2, while South America experiences co‑circulation of H3N2 and H1N1.
The CDC explained that the domestic COVID‑19 situation is currently at a low‑level fluctuation. In week 4, there were 941 COVID‑19‑related emergency and outpatient visits, a 9.1% decrease from the previous week. Last week, two new locally acquired cases of severe COVID‑19 complications were reported, with no new deaths among local cases. Since October 2014, there have been a cumulative 61 locally acquired severe COVID‑19 cases, including six deaths; severe cases were most common among those aged 65 years and older (67%) and individuals with chronic disease histories (79%); 93% had not received the season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Globally, the recent COVID‑19 positivity rate has slightly declined, although it has increased in Southeast Asia. Cases are rising in neighboring China and Japan, while Hong Kong, Canada, and Europe are seeing declines, and Australia’s situation is fluctuating. The currently dominant variant is XFG, while neighboring regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia have a higher 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, or the 1922 epidemic prevention hotline to locate nearby contracted facilities, then call the facilities to inquire about appointments, ensuring vaccine availability and saving 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.
The CDC urges that, due to recent large temperature fluctuations, the public should strengthen prevention of influenza, COVID‑19, and other respiratory infections by practicing frequent hand washing and proper cough etiquette. Those with fever or cough should wear a mask and stay at home. If severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or altered consciousness appear, seek medical care promptly and follow the physician’s medication instructions to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, from January 20 to February 28 this year, the CDC has expanded the criteria for publicly funded influenza antiviral medications; patients deemed eligible by a physician can receive the medication without a rapid test, ensuring timely treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Surveillance Office
