TAIPEI (TVBS News) — An official from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) assured the public on Monday (Jan. 13) that the recent measles outbreak in central hospitals has not spread to the community, thanks to a high vaccination rate. CDC Deputy Director General Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) emphasized that the country has maintained a child measles vaccination coverage of over 97%, which effectively prevents a large-scale outbreak.
Lo noted that a pandemic is unlikely if the measles vaccination rate remains above 95%. He acknowledged that some individuals born after 1981 might experience slightly reduced immunity from childhood vaccinations but stressed that "this is only a minority." He advised that not everyone needs to rush for a measles vaccine at this time.
Lo recommended that healthcare workers born after 1981 who have not received the MMR vaccine in the past 15 years and those planning to travel to high-risk areas like Cambodia, Vietnam, and India consider getting vaccinated at their own expense. Meanwhile, Lo highlighted a rise in domestic flu cases, with approximately 500,000 doses of government-funded flu vaccines available for those over six months old since Jan. 1.
The latest JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine remains available, and Lo urged citizens to get vaccinated promptly. As the health authorities continue monitoring the situation, they encourage the public to stay informed and take preventive measures.
