The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) held a press conference on October 1, 2026 to mark the launch of the 2026 publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program under the theme “Get Flu and COVID-19 Shots to Keep Heart and Lung Complications at Bay.” The event was attended by Minister of Health and Welfare Chung-liang Shih, Secretary-General Shu-ching Chang of the Federation for the Welfare of Taiwan’s Seniors (hereinafter referred to as the “Federation”), Taiwan CDC Director-General Yi-chun Lo, Taiwan CDC Deputy Director-General Min-cheng Lin, a new mother and her infant under six months of age, and professional basketball cheerleader Milu and her two-year-old daughter Yuna. At the event, Minister Shih, the new mother, and Yuna received their vaccinations on site, encouraging eligible individuals to receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for better protection against severe heart and lung complications.

Minister Shih explained that fall and winter are peak seasons for influenza and COVID-19, and that older adults, young children, and people with high-risk chronic diseases are at greater risk of severe illness and death. Therefore, a total of 7,050,150 doses of publicly funded influenza vaccines have been procured this year, bringing annual procurement above 7 million doses for the first time. These include 6,849,360 doses of standard-dose influenza vaccines and 200,790 doses of enhanced influenza vaccines. The enhanced influenza vaccines will be prioritized for adults aged 65 and older residing in long-term care and nursing facilities. As for COVID-19 vaccines, 2.4 million doses have been procured, including 2.2 million doses of Moderna vaccines (1.9 million single-dose and 300,000 multi-dose vials) and 200,000 doses of Novavax vaccines. All single-dose vaccines for individuals aged 12 and older have been upgraded to the new-generation COVID-19 vaccine, which reduces side effects by half while providing better immune protection. As influenza and COVID-19 viruses continue to evolve, the public is advised to get vaccinated against both diseases annually and as early as possible once 

Secretary-General Chang of the Federation pointed out that Taiwan has become a super-aged society and that older adults are at greater risk of severe illness from influenza and COVID-19. To better meet their health needs, the government is providing enhanced influenza vaccines for the first time this year, with priority given to older adults aged 65 and older in long-term care and nursing facilities. She also reiterated her call for older adults to receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time for protection against both diseases.

Taiwan CDC stated that this year’s publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program will be rolled out in two phases. Phase 1, starting on October 1, targets adults aged 65 and above, Indigenous people aged 55 and above, preschool children (for influenza vaccination: children aged 6 months and older who have not yet entered elementary school; for COVID-19 vaccination: children aged 6 months to under 6 years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine), high-risk individuals, pregnant women, parents or primary caregivers of infants under 6 months of age, nursing and long-term care facility staff, healthcare and epidemic prevention workers, and childcare institution staff. Phase 2, starting on November 2, will expand eligibility to include adults aged 50 and above without high-risk chronic diseases.

There are currently nearly 4,000 contracted healthcare facilities nationwide offering publicly funded vaccination services. People can find nearby contracted facilities through the local health department websites, the Taiwan CDC website, the Taiwan CDC’s official LINE account “疾管家” (@taiwancdc), or by calling the Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline at 1922. Before visiting, people are advised to call ahead to confirm availability or make an appointment. They should also bring their National Health Insurance card and relevant supporting documents, such as the Children Health Handbook or Maternal Health Handbook, when getting vaccinated.