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Hsinchu offers free flu, COVID shots for ages 50-64
Hsinchu’s Public Health Bureau announces the second phase of free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for residents aged 50-64. Get vaccinated to stay protected.
2024/11/01 17:59
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禽流感肆虐害慘越南動物園 47隻老虎與3頭獅子染H5N1死亡
禽流感(Bird flu)不只影響雞鴨鵝等家禽,就連老虎、獅子這類猛獸都難以抵擋其威力。綜合越南當地媒體報導,該國南部多家動物園,近期傳出慘痛的損失,包含位在同奈省(Dong Nai)的芒果花園旅遊區(Mango Garden Tourist Area)和鄰近胡志明市的隆安省(Long An)的美群動物園(My Quynh Zoo),合計至少有47隻老虎、3頭獅子和1隻黑豹,因感染H5N1禽流感病毒而死亡。
2024/10/03 10:47
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Online vaccine bookings available from Sept. 27
Discover how Taipei Veterans General Hospital is simplifying access to free adult flu and COVID-19 vaccines with online appointments starting Sept. 27. Learn about the phased rollout and eligibility for 2024 vaccinations.
2024/09/23 21:00
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KMT Chao criticizes selective judiciary approach in Taiwan
Discover the latest on Chao Shao-kang’s call for judicial fairness in Taiwan, highlighting concerns over the Core Pacific City case and the Ultra Source egg scandal. Learn why he deems the situation a political witch hunt.
2024/09/06 15:35
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Taiwan faces sixth COVID-19 wave, peak expected this week
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s COVID-19 situation: the CDC predicts a peak this week with 130,000 medical visits amid the sixth wave, reporting 987 new cases and a 55% increase in deaths. Learn about the response plans and vaccine rollout.
2024/07/10 16:54
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Yunlin County steps up bird flu fight amid outbreaks
Discover how Yunlin County is tackling avian flu outbreaks by urging poultry farmers to boost biosecurity amid high temperatures affecting bird immunity. Learn about the recent cases and prevention efforts.
2024/07/08 16:48
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CDC to decide on COVID-19 vaccine strain amid variant surge
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy as the CDC plans to select a variant for the fall vaccination campaign amid rising cases and new FDA recommendations.
2024/07/04 20:59
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Taiwan expands access to publicly-funded flu antivirals
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s flu season, including the rise in H1N1 cases, severe outcomes, and the expanded access to publicly-funded antivirals. Stay informed on prevention tips.
2024/06/26 14:20
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禽流感襲擊多國 美、日面臨蛋價飆漲危機
受到近期全球多國再次遭遇禽流感(Bird flu)襲擊,導致雞蛋價格悄悄出現飆漲趨勢。CNBC報導指出,隨著美國、日本等國再次發生疫情,讓蛋價隨之上揚。專家指出,禽流感導致雞隻大量死亡,進而讓蛋產量快速減少,成為價格上漲的主因。目前美國、歐盟、印尼、日本等多地,都出現蛋價創新高或飆漲超過10%的難題。
2024/04/24 17:36
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Flu outbreak in Taiwan: Over 90,000 cases last week
The Taiwan CDC reports over 90,000 flu cases last week, with 22 severe cases and six deaths. Vaccination urged to reduce risk. Second pertussis case confirmed, highlighting rise in cases globally. Travelers advised to consider vaccination and wear masks in affected areas.
2024/04/02 18:11
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Taiwan’s flu vaccine stocks to run out end of March
Stay informed about the latest updates on flu and COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwan. With flu vaccine supplies running low, the Taiwan CDC urges residents to get vaccinated. Learn more about vaccination locations and second doses for high-risk individuals.
2024/03/15 18:21
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Nationwide flu shot eligibility opens in Taiwan for all ages
Stay informed about Taiwan’s government-funded influenza vaccination program starting on March 5. All citizens aged six months and older are now eligible for flu shots to curb the spread of the flu post-lantern festivals. High-risk groups like seniors, preschool children, and medical staff are encouraged to get vaccinated promptly. Supplies are limited, with about 70,000 doses left as of Feb. 27. Vaccine effectiveness varies by age and health condition, ranging from 30 to 80 percent.
2024/03/05 11:02
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CDC announces flu vaccines open to public from March 5
Taiwan’s CDC announces government-funded flu vaccines will be available starting March 5 for those unvaccinated for over six months, amidst a surge of over 112,486 reported cases in a week. With stocks dwindling to 70,000 doses, eligible individuals urged to seek early inoculation.
2024/02/27 17:47
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Tainan farm hit by H5N1 outbreak, over 10K chickens culled
An outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza in a farm in Tainan’s Jiali District led to the termination of over 10,000 chickens. The Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office in Tainan City swiftly responded to contain the spread, culminating in incineration, rendering, and thorough disinfection measures. Efforts are ongoing to monitor connected poultry farms and enhance preventive hygiene practices to prevent further transmission.
2024/02/21 17:48
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Flu emergency visits decline amidst high vaccination rates
This year’s flu season during the Lunar New Year has been relatively mild, potentially due to higher flu vaccination rates and continued mask-wearing, according to Philip Lo, the Deputy Director-General and spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Typically, flu cases surge before and after the Lunar New Year, with the second day of the new year being the busiest for emergency rooms. Despite higher numbers in recent years, this year’s figures are considered mild compared to the pre-pandemic period. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, 6,787 individuals sought emergency care for flu-like symptoms. In previous years, the corresponding numbers were 4,313 in 2023, 1,564 in 2022, 2,458 in 2021, 9,240 in 2020, and 7,983 in 2019. Lo emphasized the need to monitor the potential impact of large gatherings as schools reopen and the travel season begins. In terms of vaccine stock, there are still 82,000 doses of the flu vaccine available, along with 226,000 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and 4.38 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Lo urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their protection.
2024/02/15 17:26
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Taiwan braces for dual outbreak ahead of Lunar New Year
A surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, has overwhelmed emergency departments in Taipei. Pulmonologist Su I-feng warns the public to closely monitor their health due to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak. The Taiwan CDC predicts a peak in flu and COVID-19 cases before the Lunar New Year. Concerns arise about a possible shortage of medical staff during this period, particularly in the emergency system. Hsieh Tsung-hsueh, director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, has already deployed staff to prepare for a potential massive influenza outbreak.
2024/01/26 18:02
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Taiwan battles decade-high flu epidemic with over 127K cases
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a high flu epidemic, with 127,000 emergency visits due to influenza-like illnesses caused by adenoviruses and influenza viruses. In the span of a week, there were 42 new severe flu complications, including cases of Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B. The patients ranged in age from less than 10 years old to over 90 years old, with 30 cases where influenza vaccinations were not received. Eleven deaths were reported during this period, with victims from Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B influenza. Eight of the fatalities did not receive flu vaccinations, and the youngest death was a 7-year-old girl from the north, making her the youngest fatality of 2024.
2024/01/16 17:56
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CDC new receives batch of Novavax XBB vaccines
Taiwan has received 462,800 doses of Novavax’s XBB vaccine, with distribution starting on January 9, 2023, according to the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (CDC). In May of this year, Taiwan categorized Covid-19 as a class 4 endemic disease, similar to seasonal flu. The decision was based on clinical trial reports and immunization recommendations from the U.S., the European Union (EU), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Unvaccinated individuals are advised to receive two doses of 0.5mL each, administered at least four weeks apart. Those who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine should receive a single dose of 0.5mL, provided at least three months have passed since their last dose. The domestically available XBB vaccine includes those produced by Moderna and Novavax, and recipients can choose either brand for vaccination.
2023/12/30 21:19
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Taiwan boosts avian flu checks amid regional outbreaks
Taipei’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, announced the implementation of a specialized avian influenza prevention program in September, including increased testing frequency to monitor the disease. This comes in response to recent outbreaks in Japan and chicken farms in Yunlin County, raising concerns about egg price hikes and shortages. Chen warned that the situation may worsen with the expected drop in temperature next week. Taiwan has been conducting active and passive surveillance for avian influenza since September, focusing on high-risk areas near migratory bird paths and implementing biosecurity measures at poultry farms. Chen assured that the country’s egg production capability has recovered since the shortage earlier this year, with reserves of liquid eggs available for emergencies. Domestic egg reserves will be released first in the event of increased market demand, with the import of liquid eggs only considered if a severe outbreak leads to a supply shortage. Chen emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate stock levels through the imported egg project to ensure a stable egg supply despite the challenges posed by avian influenza.
2023/12/12 17:54
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Taiwan’s Type B flu cases rise as Lunar New Year nears
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns of a potential flu epidemic around the Lunar New Year due to an increase in Type B influenza infections. Over 6 million government-funded flu vaccines have been administered, with a vaccination rate exceeding 50% among senior citizens. Several counties have reached the target vaccination rate of 55% for seniors. Influenza outpatient and emergency department visits have shown a recent downward trend, but adenoviruses remain the leading respiratory pathogens. H3N2 is more prevalent than H1N1, with a rising proportion of Type B influenza cases. There have been 14 new severe influenza complications and three additional deaths, mainly affecting individuals with chronic illnesses who were unvaccinated. As of December 11, 6.098 million public-funded flu vaccine doses have been administered, achieving a vaccination rate of 50.4%. Officials urge eligible citizens to promptly get vaccinated, as approximately 500,000 doses of government-funded flu vaccine remain.
2023/12/12 16:59
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Physician warns of prolonged immunity debt in Taiwan
Taiwan has been facing a persistent flu season since the beginning of the year, with three concurrent viruses spreading. Physician Huang Li-min from National Taiwan University Hospital warned of the severity of the flu outbreak and projected a potential two-year ’immunity debt’. Huang also highlighted the heightened risk of a Mycoplasma outbreak in Taiwan, urging the public to practice preventative measures such as vaccinations and adherence to public health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan has implemented targeted surveillance and testing at international airports, leading to the detection of various viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and adenoviruses. The World Health Organization is monitoring the Mycoplasma situation in China, urging vigilance despite a decline in the pandemic.
2023/12/02 16:41
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Respiratory illness to tsurge in China during winter: CDC
Taiwan’s CDC warns that respiratory illness cases in China may peak around Lunar New Year due to multiple pathogens affecting the northern regions. The CDC emphasizes that the surge is not caused by a single agent and poses challenges across different age groups. In addition to mycoplasma, other infectious threats like influenza and COVID-19 should not be ignored. To prepare for increased cross-strait travel, the CDC urges vaccination against flu and COVID-19, especially for the elderly and young children with weaker immune systems. Non-essential trips to China are recommended to be postponed as a precautionary health measure.
2023/11/27 17:56
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Flu case surge prompts vaccination plea from physicians
Physicians are urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu as cold and flu cases surge in Taiwan amid cooling weather. Even healthcare providers are being impacted by the rapid spread of a virulent seasonal virus. ENT Dr. Chang Yi-Hao fell ill with gastroenteritis in late October, experiencing two days of fever. The virus has been particularly aggressive over the past few months. Chang emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and young children with weaker immune systems. Wearing face masks has become routine due to COVID-19, but with the easing of restrictions, there has been a rise in flu and respiratory virus infections. Physicians stress the need for vaccination, particularly for those with lower resistance to disease.
2023/11/16 21:02
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Data shows rise in negative perceptions of ruling DPP
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has seen a rise in negative perceptions due to disputes over imported eggs, according to data from the Taiwan Public Opinion Research Center (TPOC). The center analyzed online opinions from January to October and found that the DPP received more negative than positive reactions. Public dissatisfaction with the DPP is linked to disputes over imported eggs, tensions in the Taiwan Strait, fraud and cybersecurity concerns, and energy shortages. Other factors include unsafe pedestrian traffic, residential justice issues, subsidies for private schools, unclear labeling of American pork, and disputes over flu vaccination. Despite the diminishing lead, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te remains ahead with over 60 days until the 2024 general election. All political parties must intensify their efforts to win public support as the election approaches.
2023/11/13 11:37
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Taiwan rolls new regulations to bolster public services
Eight new regulations are taking effect in Taiwan in November, covering sectors in healthcare, public transport, and the environment. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is introducing sustainable deals, offering a NT$5 discount on hot beverages to passengers who bring their own reusable cups. State-funded flu vaccines will be available for individuals aged 50 to 64, and those aged 65 and over can take shots in the second phase of the pneumococcal vaccine program.
2023/11/01 10:49