The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announces that the supply of the government-funded adult vaccine (for children aged over three years and adults) is expected to meet the demand.As of November 7, 2011, more than 80% of the allotted adult seasonal influenza vaccines, about 2 million doses, have been administered.The supply is expected to be depleted by the end of November.As the vaccine supply is running out, more stringent supply-control measures such as decreasing the number of vaccination sites and requiring appointments for immunizations will be implemented.Hence, Taiwan CDC advises the public to call ahead to ensure vaccine availability prior to visiting any provider for vaccination.In addition, more pediatric influenza vaccines have been administered this year as compared to that last year.Children who have never received influenza vaccine are recommended to receive two doses of the 0.25mL pediatric influenza vaccine to induce protective immune response.Taiwan CDC advises parents to get their children vaccinated against seasonal influenza to ensure adequate immunity before the influenza activity peaks.

It is estimated that over 80% of individuals in each target group for the government-funded vaccine have received the vaccine. Moreover, the vaccination rate is the highest among health care workers.Thus far, more than 90% of the health care workers have received the influenza vaccine.The vaccination campaign will end when all the vaccines are used up.

On the other hand, it has been noted that this year’s flu vaccination coverage rate has been higher in adults than in children.Taiwan CDC would like to remind the public that influenza activity in Taiwan usually begins to increase in Mid-December and reaches its peak around the Chinese New Year, which usually falls in either January or February.Further, it takes about one month after vaccination to induce sufficient immune response in children.Therefore, Taiwan CDC urges parents to get their children, especially those under the age of three who are at high risk of developing influenza-related complications, vaccinated against seasonal influenza in order to ensure the health of the children.

For more information concerning the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign and vaccination sites, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/ or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922.