TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant move to combat the spread of enterovirus, the Taipei Department of Health announced plans on Wednesday (May 22) to fully subsidize vaccines for children of low-income households and cases approved by the Department of Social Welfare starting in mid-June. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, highlighted by the high vaccine cost of over NT$8,000 for two doses.
On the same day, New Taipei City revealed a similar subsidy program, marking a concerted effort in the region to protect vulnerable populations.
Financial Relief for Families
Taipei City Councilor Chang Wen-chieh of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) emphasized the heavy financial load on families, with each dose of the enterovirus vaccine costing more than NT$4,000.
Taipei Department of Health Commissioner Chen Yen-yuan responded to concerns by stating that the budget for this initiative was allocated last year, and vaccine procurement processes had already been completed.
Targeted Vaccine Campaign
Taipei Disease Control Division head Chang Hui-mei explained that the vaccine campaign will focus on the EV71 strain of enterovirus, benefiting an estimated 700 to 800 children aged two months to six years.
Despite the vaccine's protection, Chang Hui-mei cautioned that with over a hundred types of enterovirus, continued prevention measures are necessary. The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the recent surge in enterovirus cases, which reached epidemic thresholds in Taipei City over the past two weeks, with more than 1,200 cases reported.
The Health Department continues to advocate for preventive measures, especially among children under five. It mandates checks by educational institutions to break the chain of transmission. This initiative aims to protect children's health and provide financial relief to families struggling with the high costs of healthcare.
