The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) indicated that as of 10am on November 27, 2009, 1,600,985 people, constituting 7% of the national population, have received the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine since November 11, 2009.Over 10% of the population in four cities and counties, including Lianjiang County, Hualien County, Taichung County and Keelung City, has received the vaccine and the vaccination rates in these four cities and counties respectively are 16.2%, 11.5%, 10.4% and 10.4%.CECC also pointed out that since the distribution of disease control resources among cities and counties is not even, the vaccination rate in each city/county will vary accordingly.

On the other hand, 9, 119 pregnant women have received the vaccine, reflecting a drastic increase as compared to the number of pregnant women vaccinated against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) the last week. Nevertheless, CECC once again urged all pregnant women to get vaccinated.It was reported that some hospitals and clinics denied pregnant women vaccination against pandemic influenza A (H1N1).CECC stated that similar incidents should be reported to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control through the Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, and the relevant personnel will provide the necessary assistance to individuals who are denied the vaccination.Further, CECC has officially notified all contracted hospitals and clinics administering the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine that pregnant women are encouraged to receive the vaccine and should not be denied vaccination without physician’s assessment.

Currently, the vaccination campaign is being proceeded as planned.The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) will continue to closely monitor any vaccine adverse events. As of now, the adverse events of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine reported in Taiwan are similar to those of the seasonal influenza vaccine in Taiwan and those of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in other developed countries. CECC urged the public to get vaccinated against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) to ensure their own health and the health of others.