The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as Taiwan CDC) announced today (November 1) that the second phase of the rollout for the government-funded influenza and JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines has begun. Eligible individuals for this phase include adults aged 50 to 64 without high-risk chronic conditions for the flu vaccine and people aged over six months (not included in the first phase) for the JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine. This year’s vaccination campaign is being launched in two phases, with the simultaneous administration of the flu and JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines. To increase vaccination rates, Taiwan CDC has once again partnered with PX Mart as well as city and county health departments to set up vaccination stations at designated PX Mart and RT-Mart locations, making it convenient for the public to get vaccinated nearby.

Taiwan CDC Director-General Chuang Jen-Hsiang emphasized that the second phase of vaccinations begins today and urged those eligible for the government-funded vaccines to get vaccinated as soon as possible to enhance their protection. The slogan "Flu shot on the left, COVID shot on the right—update your protection" means receiving the flu vaccine in the left arm and the COVID-19 vaccine in the right arm to ensure protection against both illnesses. Additionally, individuals aged 65 and older can visit contracted healthcare institutions to receive the government-funded pneumococcal vaccine for a third layer of protection.

PX Mart General Manager Tsai Tu-Chang expressed that PX Mart, with its nationwide reach that makes it a convenient shopping option for the public, is pleased to once again collaborate with Taiwan CDC to contribute to pandemic prevention efforts. To encourage people to get vaccinated with the flu and JN.1 COVID-19 vaccines, PX Mart has arranged nearly 80 of its stores and 2 RT-Mart locations for local health departments to set up vaccination stations. Those who receive vaccines will not only gain the protection they offer but will also receive additional health-related gifts from PX Mart.

In addition, celebrities Mr. Shen Yu-Lin and Ms. Liang You-Nan, who are eligible for the second phase of the vaccination campaign, were invited to receive the government-funded vaccines on site. Mr. Shen shared that, since he interacts with large crowds because he frequently performs and attends events, he gets vaccinated each year to protect himself and his family. Ms. Liang, who regularly visits healthcare facilities to care for her mother, emphasized that she also gets vaccinated annually at contracted healthcare facilities to safeguard her family’s health.

Taiwan CDC points out that autumn and winter are peak seasons for respiratory infectious diseases and that the elderly are most vulnerable to infection and to severe illness and death following infection. The public is urged to simultaneously receive the flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines to enhance protection against these respiratory diseases and reduce the threat of these illnesses. Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, with protection ranging from 30-80% following vaccination, approximately 41% protection against flu-related hospitalizations, and up to 82% protection against severe cases.

In response to the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 virus, people are advised to receive safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to strengthen immunity against the dominant strains. For those previously diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have received the original or bivalent vaccines, their immunity has significantly waned. Therefore, the public is encouraged to actively receive the new JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness or death.

Taiwan CDC reminds the public that, this year, there are nearly 4,000 contracted vaccination clinics nationwide. People are encouraged to find a nearby vaccination site by checking the website of their local health department and call to confirm vaccination availability or make an appointment to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce waiting time. Moreover, when attending their vaccination appointment, individuals should bring their National Health Insurance card and relevant documents (such as the Children Health Handbook and Maternal Health Booklet). They should also wear a mask, maintain a safe distance, and practice hand hygiene.