Taipei:Taiwan's influenza epidemic is projected to reach its peak this week, with weekly outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like illnesses anticipated to reach between 140,000 and 150,000, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Thursday.

According to Focus Taiwan, CDC Director General Lo Yi-chun discussed the situation at a vaccination program launch event, stating that the elevated flu activity could persist until mid-November. However, a significant decline in the epidemic is expected after mid-October, coinciding with the start of the publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang, who also attended the event, noted that autumn and winter are the peak seasons for influenza and COVID-19. He emphasized that older people, young children, and those with high-risk chronic conditions are at greater risk of severe illness and death.

Taiwan has procured 7.05 million doses of influenza vaccines for the publicly funded vaccination program this year, marking the first time the number has exceeded 7 million. Shih highlighted that enhanced influenza vaccine shots will be prioritized for individuals aged 65 and older residing in long-term care and nursing facilities.

Lo mentioned that outpatient visits were initially affected by the recent Mid-Autumn Festival holiday but have since begun to rebound. The CDC estimates that visits for flu-like illnesses will reach approximately 140,000-150,000 this week. He stressed that vaccination could help control the epidemic more swiftly, with a noticeable decline anticipated after mid-October if there is strong uptake of the vaccines.

The publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, which commenced Thursday, targets people aged 65 and older, Indigenous people aged 55 and older, preschool children, and pregnant women, among others. The second stage is set to begin on November 2, when the vaccines will also become available to adults aged 50 and older who do not have high-risk chronic conditions.