In response to the ongoing rabies outbreak in wild animals in Taiwan, the number of hospitals with a stockpile of rabies vaccine is increased to 54 from 28 beginning August 5, 2013 to facilitate rabies vaccination of people in need of the vaccine.

As of August 4, the first wave of the 300 pre-exposure human rabies vaccinations of the recommended target groups proposed by the Council of Agriculture has reached 100% coverage. Beginning August 5, local health bureaus will notify the recommended target groups for the second wave of the pre-exposure human rabies vaccinations to receive the vaccine at the designated hospital. Approximately, more than 1,900 people will receive the vaccine during the second wave.

To meet the current demand for human rabies pre and post-exposure prophylaxis, Taiwan CDC distributed 8,000 doses vaccines to local health bureaus on August 5. The local health bureaus will be in charge of coordinating the vaccine management and delivery to the designated hospitals.

In addition, other batches of rabies vaccine Taiwan CDC has purchased will subsequently arrive in Taiwan on August 9 and 15. The vaccines will be ready for lot release once they are inspected and approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA).