Taipei: Demand for influenza vaccines has surged in Taiwan following the recent death of actress Barbie Hsu due to flu-related complications, with less than 100,000 government-funded flu shots remaining as of Wednesday. Hsu, aged 48, succumbed to pneumonia on February 2 after contracting influenza during a trip to Japan over the Lunar New Year holiday.
According to Focus Taiwan, after news of Hsu's death made headlines on Monday, approximately 40,000 and 73,000 government-funded flu shots were administered that day and the following day, respectively, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Previously, a daily average of 24,700 government-funded influenza vaccinations were given from January 1-20, CDC data revealed.
CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-huai informed the press that while only 90,000 doses of government-funded influenza vaccines remain, vaccine manufacturers across Taiwan still possess a total inventory of about 400,000 self-paid doses, excluding stocks at various medical institutions. Regarding the possibility of acquiring additional flu vaccines, Tseng stated that the CDC is still evaluating the overall situation.
Chang Feng-yee, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan, remarked that flu outbreaks typically peak at the beginning of each year. He noted that at this time of year, most people who need a flu shot should have already received it. However, Hsu's death has heightened public awareness of flu prevention, prompting more people to get vaccinated.
Chang, who previously led the CDC, explained that the agency's vaccine procurement follows a planned approach, with careful calculations for supply and distribution. He mentioned that emergency procurement is unlikely unless a sudden global outbreak of a new flu strain occurs. He also stated that the current flu season is not the most severe in the past decade and does not warrant a national emergency. As vaccine distribution is typically completed around this time of year, it is challenging for the CDC to procure additional batches at this point.
For self-paid flu vaccines, Chang explained that vaccination requires early planning, with most clinics beginning to ask their regular patients around September if they wish to register in advance. Without prior registration, medical institutions are hesitant to stock large quantities of flu shots due to financial risks if demand is low. Chang reminded those who missed this round of vaccination that flu vaccines must be renewed annually and that the next season's doses will arrive around October. He urged unvaccinated individuals to get a flu shot promptly once the new doses become available.