As the H5N1 threat lingers, Taiwan CDC is offering free H5N1 vaccines from September 1 to September 30, 2010 for people who wish to get the vaccine, especially high risk individuals.Taiwan CDC urges quarantine personnel, medical and healthcare personnel and people who frequently visit areas at risk for H5N1 influenza infection to get vaccinated against H5N1.

Taiwan CDC recommends quarantine personnel, medical and healthcare personnel, animal quarantine personnel, customs personnel, airport and port security personnel, and coast guards who are aged 18-60 and people who frequently visit areas at risk for avian influenza infection to receive the H5N1 vaccine.

The free H5N1 influenza vaccine provided by Taiwan CDC is available for administration at all contracted travel medicine outpatient clinics, all general hospitals under the Department of Health and the local health centers in each city and country.Those who wish to receive the vaccine will only be charged a registration or diagnostic fee for the vaccination.

The influenza A (H5N1) vaccine provided by Taiwan CDC has been approved by the European Union regulator.It is a cell-based and inactive vaccine without adjuvant. Each person needs two doses of the vaccine given 21 days apart.People who wish to receive the vaccine should read and sign the vaccination consent form prior to vaccination and fill out a voluntary vaccination questionnaire to record any reaction or response to the vaccine after receiving each dose to facilitate vaccine safety monitoring by the health authority.In the event of a severe adverse reaction, please seek immediate medical attention.

For more information concerning this voluntary vaccination program, please visit the following website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/english/submenu.aspx?treeid=e79c7a9e1e9b1cdf&nowtreeid=e7c06af4f99e6f3a/ or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922.