TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A measles outbreak at a central Taiwan hospital has triggered widespread concern, leading the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH, 台大醫院) to swiftly establish a dedicated measles vaccination clinic. Since January 10, the clinic has been providing self-paid vaccinations, consistently filling its daily limit of 50 appointments, highlighting the urgent demand for immunization.
NTUH Vice Superintendent Huang Kuo-chin (黃國晉) explained that the 50-person daily cap considers vaccine inventory and supply. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) guidelines prioritize vaccinations for healthcare workers born after 1981 without proof of measles antibodies in the past five years and adults traveling to outbreak regions.
Huang noted a diverse range of individuals seeking consultation at the clinic, including parents concerned about their children's exposure in kindergartens. He reassured that the domestic measles vaccination rate for young children exceeds 97%; they still have strong immunity and do not need booster shots. He stated that the public does not need to be overly concerned.
Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧), a CDC spokesperson, stated the outbreak remains confined to the hospital, with no community clusters and no new cases since last week, maintaining the count at 18. Recently, the demand for self-paid measles vaccinations has begun to decline.
