Flu shots have almost run out under the government’s free vaccination program. The Executive Yuan says it expects supplies to run out within the coming week. The sudden rush for vaccines comes after the recent death of celebrity actor Barbie Hsu due to the flu. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will soon procure another 100,000 flu shots, which will be reserved for people in high risk groups. Shots can also be had by paying out of pocket at clinics that provide vaccinations.

The phone rings off the hook as the doctor attends to patients. Demand for flu vaccines is sky-high, and with the start of school next week, parents are trying to get their kids protected. Many rushed their children out to clinics and hospitals to get a shot before the new school term.

Member of public
I only feel at ease sending my kid to school vaccinated. I’ve asked around, and the free shots under the government program have run out everywhere.

Che Tsan-wei
Pediatrician
The publicly-funded vaccines have run out at all local clinics. They only have a few left at health centers. We’re still ordering vaccines for people wanting to pay out of pocket. It’s best if you schedule an appointment.

Vaccines in the public program have almost been entirely used up. As of Wednesday, shots had run out in Taipei, New Taipei and Kaohsiung. Only 6,350 remained in Taichung, and just 487 in Kinmen. The Executive Yuan says they stocks are expected to get fully depleted within the coming week.

Vincent Su
Taipei City Hospital
The flu wave sweeping Taiwan is indeed peaking. The best response is of course to get vaccinated. The publicly funded vaccines were made available to everyone because nobody wanted to get vaccinated initially. But after Barbie Hsu’s death, everyone is rushing to get vaccinated. Stocks have practically been exhausted nationwide.

According to Premier Cho Jung-tai, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will procure an additional 100,000 flu shots to provide to the public for free. They’ll be reserved for people aged 65 and up, young children and people in any of 11 designated high risk groups. The new batch is expected to arrive on Feb. 20. Meanwhile, vaccine supplies outside the government program remain plentiful.

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