Taipei: A traditional, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by Novavax, targeting the JN.1 variant, will become available next Wednesday to those eligible for free vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Tuesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan recorded 1,398 outpatient visits for COVID-19 from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, a slight increase from the previous week. However, the outbreak, dominated by the NB.1.8.1 variant, remains at a low level, as stated by CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui during a regular press briefing. Of the six reported severe cases during the week, a woman in her 20s with a weakened immune system has been in intensive care since late last month, diagnosed with severe COVID-19 complicated by pneumonia. CDC physician Lin Yung-ching highlighted the importance of vaccination for individuals with chronic diseases or underlying health issues, despite the mild nature of the current outbreak.
During the same period, a fatality involving a person aged 65 and over with underlying health conditions was reported. Starting next Wednesday, those aged 12 and older eligible for government-funded vaccination can opt for the Novavax JN.1 protein-based vaccine as an alternative to the Moderna LP.8.1 mRNA vaccine. Taiwan has been offering free Moderna LP.8.1 vaccines since Oct. 1 to priority groups, with eligibility expanding on Nov. 1 to include individuals aged 50 and above without underlying conditions. Those seeking self-paid vaccines must first undergo a physical assessment at one of 10 designated hospitals, according to the CDC.
On the influenza front, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Director Kuo Hung-wei reported 106,829 outpatient visits for influenza from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, a 4.9 percent decrease from the previous week. The week of Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 recorded 63 severe cases and nine deaths. The CDC anticipates the influenza outbreak to end this week, though the risk of severe complications persists. A three-year-old girl with a history of metabolic disease developed breathing difficulties and croup after testing positive for influenza A and was treated in intensive care for six days before being discharged last month. She was vaccinated against influenza in previous seasons but not this year, according to the CDC.
The CDC has urged vulnerable groups to get vaccinated before influenza cases potentially rise again in December. Of the 4.778 million doses distributed under government-funded programs since Oct. 1, fewer than 2 million remain in stock.