The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) held a press conference titled “Get Flu and COVID-19 Shots for Good Health” today (October 1) to announce the launch of the 2025 publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program. 

The event was attended by Minister of Health and Welfare Chung-liang Shih, Deputy Minister Jen-hsiang Chuang, Taiwan CDC Director-General Yi-chun Lo, Taiwan CDC Deputy Director-General Shu-hui Tseng, Division Chiefs Ching-hui Yang and Yi-chien Chi, epidemic prevention program ambassador Chen-nan Tsai, as well as former CPBL cheerleader Yen-yen from Lamigirls and her daughter Miao-miao. At the event, Minister Shih, Deputy Minister Chuang, Program Ambassador Tsai, and Miao-miao received their vaccinations on site to encourage eligible individuals in Phase 1 to get both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring dual protection and peace of mind for the whole family.

Minister Shih emphasized that as the fall and winter virus season approaches, both influenza and COVID-19 can pose serious threats to public health, particularly among the elderly, young children, and individuals with high-risk chronic diseases. The risks of severe complications and death should not be overlooked. Vaccination, widely recognized by the medical community as the most effective preventive measure, can significantly reduce these risks. This year, the government continues to allocate resources to provide approximately 6.48 million doses of publicly funded trivalent influenza vaccines and about 2.99 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure sufficient protection for the public. 

Campaign Ambassador Tsai highlighted the “Three Golden Advantages” of vaccination—benefits, convenience, and safety—stressing the importance of vaccination in protecting both individual and family health. Drawing on his previous experience as Health Ambassador for World Head and Neck Cancer Day, he reminded the public, “Never delay when it comes to health. Following doctors’ instructions is key.” He urged all eligible individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible to strengthen their protection against circulating viruses. 

Taiwan CDC explained that the 2025 publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program would be rolled out in two phases. Phase 1, starting on October 1, targets adults aged 65 and above, indigenous people aged 55 and above, children aged 6 months to under 6 years , individuals with high-risk chronic diseases, pregnant women, parents of infants under six months old, long-term care facility staff, healthcare and epidemic prevention workers, and childcare institution staff. Phase 2, starting on November 1, will expand eligibility to include adults aged 50 and above without high-risk chronic diseases. 

Taiwan CDC also reminded the public that nearly 4,000 contracted healthcare facilities nationwide are currently providing publicly funded vaccination services. People can find nearby contracted facilities through the local health department websites, the Taiwan CDC website, the Taiwan CDC’s official LINE account “疾管家” (＠taiwancdc), or by calling the Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline at 1922. It is recommended to confirm service hours or make appointments in advance to avoid unnecessary visits in case a clinic is closed and to reduce unnecessary waiting time. Additionally, when attending a vaccination appointment, individuals should bring their National Health Insurance card and relevant documents (such as the Children Health Handbook or Maternal Health Handbook), wear a mask, maintain safe distancing, and practice proper hand hygiene.