Taiwan ramps up COVID‑19 vaccine distribution as cases surge

COVID‑19 infections have risen sharply across Taiwan, with national emergency‑room visits climbing to 10,338 during the week of July 19‑26, a 112 % increase from the previous week. Local spikes are evident in several counties. Nantou County reported eight severe COVID‑19 cases, one of which was fatal, and its public‑funded vaccine stock fell to about 400 doses, prompting officials to urge eligible residents to be vaccinated promptly.

In Taipei, the health bureau secured an emergency allocation of 6,000 vaccine doses, arriving on July 27‑28, to be distributed to contracted medical facilities and the 12 outpatient sites of Taipei City Hospital. The city initially requested 1,900 doses but added 4,100 more after demand surged, and the central government facilitated the rapid redistribution.

Pingtung County’s health bureau also called on residents to get vaccinated, noting that 92.5 % of recent severe cases were unvaccinated and emphasizing mask use, hand‑washing, and ventilation in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Across the nation, the free‑vaccination program now covers anyone aged six months and older until September 28, aiming to curb the upward trend and protect high‑risk groups.