The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced today (November 2, 2026) that it has again partnered this year with PX Mart,a retailer operating both supermarkets and hypermarket in Taiwan, to promote vaccination to encourage eligible members of the public to receive publicly funded vaccines. To mark the expansion of eligibility under Phase 2, which begins today, Taiwan CDC held a press conference themed "Get Flu and COVID-19 Shots to Keep Heart and Lung Complications at Bay." At the event, Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Jen-hsiang Chuang, PX Mart General Manager Tu-chang Tsai, and vaccination campaign ambassador Lan Tsao received both flu and COVID-19 shots on site to encourage individuals eligible under either Phase 1 or Phase 2 to get vaccinated. In addition to visiting nearby contracted healthcare facilities, eligible individuals can get vaccinated at designated vaccination stations in 120 PX Mart stores, making it easier to gain protection against both diseases as early as possible, while earning 1,350 Health Tokens. At the event, Deputy Minister Chuang thanked PX Mart for its partnership with Taiwan CDC since 2017. He also expressed appreciation for the company’s use of its resources to promote vaccination, share health information, and protect public health. This year, as the two organizations celebrate a decade of collaboration, PX Mart has also joined Taiwan CDC in supporting the “Health Token" initiative, further strengthening its role as a key partner in the government's public health efforts. Deputy Minister Chuang noted that phase 2 of the publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccination program begins today, expanding eligibility to adults aged 50 to 64 without high-risk chronic conditions. Those eligible under phase 1—including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases—can still get vaccinated. As this age group forms the backbone of their families and the workforce, Deputy Minister Chuang encouraged them to take advantage of the publicly funded vaccines to protect themselves and their families. PX Mart General Manager Tsai said that the company is honored to have worked with Taiwan CDC over the past decade and looks forward to continuing its contributions to disease prevention. This year, PX Mart has increased the number of vaccination stations and enhanced its vaccination incentives. A total of 120 stores across Taiwan, including 106 PX Mart stores and 14 Mega PX Mart stores, are providing space for local health departments to set up vaccination stations. Those who get vaccinated can also receive an additional fruit gift as part of this year’s enhanced incentives, making vaccination more convenient while promoting healthier habits. Tsai encouraged the public to earn Health Tokens and redeem them at PX Mart stores. Vaccination campaign ambassador Lan Tsao also received both vaccines at the event and shared her belief that "taking care of yourself is the first step toward caring for others." She reminded everyone not to put off looking after their own health, emphasizing that taking good care of ourselves allows us to better support and spend time with our families and loved ones. Tsao also encouraged people aged 50 and above to get vaccinated every year to maintain strong protection against infectious diseases. Taiwan CDC emphasized that influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 continue to evolve over time, making annual vaccination with updated vaccines vital to maintaining protection against these diseases. The public is encouraged to check the websites of local health departments, Taiwan CDC's "Influenza, COVID-19, Pneumococcal Vaccine and Antiviral Drug Map" (https://vaxmap.cdc.gov.tw/), Taiwan CDC’s official LINE account “疾管家” (@taiwancdc), or call the 1922 Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline to find nearby contracted healthcare facilities. People are also advised to call ahead to make an appointment to ensure a smooth vaccination process and minimize waiting time.