💉Flu Shot on the Left, COVID Shot on the Right — Protect Your Lungs and Heart🫁💕

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang noted that fall and winter are peak seasons for influenza and COVID-19. According to laboratory surveillance data, influenza A viruses are currently predominant in the community, with A(H1N1) accounting for 90.7% of detected influenza viruses. Although COVID-19 activity in Taiwan has declined, the virus is still circulating.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) reminds the public that travel, gatherings, and dining activities tend to increase during long holiday periods. Everyone is encouraged to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, wash hands frequently, wear a mask when experiencing fever, cough, or other influenza-like symptoms, and stay home when sick.

Seek medical attention promptly if warning signs occur, such as difficulty breathing, cyanosis, chest pain, altered consciousness, or low blood pressure.

Publicly Funded Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Begins October 1

The 2026 publicly funded influenza and COVID-19 vaccination program began simultaneously on October 1. Taiwan CDC encourages eligible individuals to receive both vaccines at the same visit — “Flu on the Left, COVID on the Right” — for double protection.

Key Vaccination Information

Flu on the Left, COVID on the Right

The influenza vaccine can be given in one arm and the COVID-19 vaccine in the other. Receiving both vaccines at the same visit is considered safe and does not reduce the immune response.

Vaccination will be provided in two phases:

Phase 1 — Starting October 1

Eligible groups include:

• Adults aged 65 years and older
• Indigenous people aged 55 years and older
• Preschool children
• Influenza vaccine: children aged 6 months through preschool age
• COVID-19 vaccine: children aged 6 months to under 6 years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine
• Individuals at higher risk of severe illness
• Pregnant women
• Parents or primary caregivers of infants under 6 months of age
• Staff working in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Healthcare workers and personnel involved in disease prevention
• Staff at preschools and childcare institutions
• Other eligible groups designated by Taiwan CDC

Phase 2 — Starting November 2

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination will be available to adults aged 50 years and older without high-risk chronic conditions.

Updated Vaccines

• Influenza vaccine: Trivalent influenza vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine: mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines

Rewards and Incentives

Health Coin Rewards

People aged 18 years and older who receive an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine may receive Health Coins, which can be redeemed for rewards at participating locations.

For more information, please refer to the official Health Coin program information.

Source:

Taiwan CDC announcement: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/4v-EU-rH3UbhFvRs0tjTqQ?typeid=9

“Flu on the Left, COVID on the Right” Vaccination Information:https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/S_ZLz0yyc2lAQ9TStMB0uA

Health Coin Information:https://www.healthtoken.hpa.gov.tw/