People over the age of 50 and those with high-risk chronic diseases are prone to influenza-related complications. To promote the importance of flu vaccination among these two at-risk groups, on October 24, 2017, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) invited the Golden Bell awarded actor Akio Chen (陳慕義) to share his personal experience with flu infection and Dr. Lee Ping-ing (李秉穎) from the NTUH Department of Pediatrics to explain the cause of needle phobia, ways to prevent it, and the importance of flu vaccination. Chen and Dr. Lee jointly called for those who are eligible for the government-funded flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible in order to ensure their own health and the health of their families.

Akio Chen shared that he thought he was too young to be affected by the flu, therefore he did not receive the flu vaccine. Until July this year when he first became infected with the flu. His infection led to heart and liver complications, which drastically affected his normal life and work. It was then Chen realized the importance of flu vaccination. Chen stressed that people who are over 50 years of age must be vaccinated as soon as possible in order to boost their immunity.

Dr. Lee pointed out that needle phobia is caused by stress and fear of medical procedures involving injections. The symptoms include dizziness and feeling of nausea. However, these symptoms are not associated with flu vaccination. Usually teenagers experience needle phobia, especially those who receive vaccination on campus as needle phobia is psychological and can spread around quickly. Dr. Lee further pointed out that needle phobia can be easily prevented by playing relaxing music or video for the vaccine receiver, and conducting small talks with the vaccine receiver during the vaccination process. Furthermore, vaccine receivers are advised to have a light meal before injection and stay relaxed trough out the vaccination process. Lastly, Dr. Lee pointed out that if the symptoms occur during injection, one should always take some time to rest before leaving the vaccination station.

Since last year, Taiwan CDC has expanded the national immunization coverage target groups to include adults of 50 to 64 years of age. This year’s seasonal flu vaccination campaign was launched on October 1. As of October 23, an estimated three million and one hundred sixty thousand people have been vaccinated. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body. Therefore, one should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For more information on the vaccination stations, please visit the Taiwan CDC official anti-flu website at https://antiflu.cdc.gov.tw/, or sign up for Taiwan CDC’s LINE chatbot on https://goo.gl/BUFT1r for instant replies to inquiries. For more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline,  1922 (or 0800-001-922).