TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政) announced on Wednesday (Aug. 14) that the city will begin subsidizing enterovirus 71 vaccines for disadvantaged children starting Thursday. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of infection during the current enterovirus season and alleviate the financial burden on families.
Chang made the announcement during a municipal meeting, stating that the subsidy program will benefit approximately 800 infants and toddlers. Eligible children include those from low-income or lower-middle-income households, aged between 2 months and 2 years. The subsidy will cover up to NT$4,000 per dose for a maximum of three doses.
Residents meeting the criteria can receive vaccinations at 32 participating medical institutions. The Taoyuan Department of Public Health (桃園市政府衛生局) emphasized the importance of keeping children home if they contract enterovirus to prevent the spread of the infection, especially with schools reopening in September.
Additionally, the department advised parents to seek immediate medical attention at one of Taoyuan's five specialized hospitals if severe symptoms appear within a week of infection. These hospitals include Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (林口長庚紀念醫院), Saint Paul's Hospital (聖保祿醫院), Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部桃園醫院), Min-Sheng General Hospital (敏盛綜合醫院), and Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital (國軍桃園總醫院).
