Taiwan health officials urge respiratory disease prevention and vaccination

Health experts in Taiwan are emphasizing the importance of year-round respiratory disease prevention, noting that pneumonia risks persist outside of the traditional autumn and winter seasons. Medical professionals warn that influenza and COVID-19 infections can damage respiratory mucosal defenses, increasing the vulnerability to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Starting October 1, public funding for influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations is available for specific groups, including medical personnel, seniors aged 65 and older, indigenous people aged 55 to 64, pregnant women, and individuals with high-risk chronic conditions.

To combat invasive pneumococcal disease, the Centers for Disease Control has updated its policy to offer single-dose PCV20 or PCV21 vaccines for high-risk groups, such as seniors over 65 and individuals with specific immune deficiencies or chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Experts note that while vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are vital, they do not protect against bacterial pneumonia, making the pneumococcal vaccine a necessary additional layer of defense for vulnerable populations.