Flu vaccine demand stays high as CDC rolls out extra doses

Taipei, Feb. 21 (CNA) Over 40 percent of an additional 100,000 government-funded flu vaccine doses were administered on the first day of distribution, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Friday.

Amid high demand, the CDC urged eligible individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, to get vaccinated promptly, as the flu season is expected to remain active through mid-to-late March despite a decline in cases last week.

Those advised to receive the vaccine include individuals aged 65 and over, infants over six months old, preschool children, and patients with chronic conditions, the CDC said.

The CDC rolled out the additional doses on Thursday after the flu-related death of actress Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛), 48, on Feb. 2, which fueled a surge in vaccination rates.

At its peak, over 70,000 government-funded flu shots were administered in a single day, according to CDC data.

Since the flu season began on Oct. 1 last year, 917 severe cases have been reported as of Feb. 17, with seniors aged 65 and over accounting for 56 percent. The death toll has reached 181, the CDC said.