Influenza vaccination urged to prevent severe illness and hospitalization

Medical professionals are emphasizing the importance of annual influenza vaccination to prevent severe complications, noting that flu outbreaks can occur year-round rather than just during winter months. A pediatrician highlighted a case where a 3-year-old child, who had not been vaccinated, required hospitalization due to high fever and lethargy caused by the flu.

To address needle phobia in children aged 2 to 17, a nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative to traditional injections. This live attenuated vaccine creates local immunity in the nasal cavity and systemic immunity, offering protection for up to one year. While the effectiveness of any vaccine depends on how well it matches circulating strains, it remains crucial for reducing the risk of death and severe illness.

A nephrologist shared observations from intensive care units, noting that severe influenza cases often involve patients who were unvaccinated. In Taiwan, the government has initiated the first phase of its 2026 influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program, targeting specific groups including the elderly, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and children. The second phase, which opens to adults aged 50 to 64 without high-risk chronic conditions, is scheduled to begin in November.