Beginning October 1, 2009, seasonal influenza vaccines are available at over 3500 contracted hospitals that administer the vaccine in the nation.According to personnel from branch offices of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), seasonal influenza vaccine administration at the contracted hospitals has been proceeding smoothly.Many people showed up to get a seasonal influenza vaccine.Thus far, no report of adverse effect or incident has been made.The Central Epidemic Command Center(CECC) will continue to monitor the administration of seasonal influenza vaccine.

CECC stated that, besides the targeted groups for receiving the vaccine, people who are affected by Typhoon Morakot and currently stay in emergency shelters will also receive the vaccine.About 4500 people who stay in 29 emergency shelters will have the vaccine administered to them by the local governments.

Since the influenza season is imminent and vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent influenza, CECC once again reminded the public that targeted groups for receiving seasonal influenza vaccine include children aged 6 moths through 6 years, elementary school students from grade 1 through 4, elderly people aged 65 and above, and people with major illness/injury.All target groups can receive the vaccine at over 3500 contracted hospitals in the nation upon presentation of their ID card and National Health Insurance card.