CDC Deputy Director-General and spokesman Lin Min-cheng (林明誠) on Tuesday said flu activity remained at a relatively low level last week, which is “rare” for this time of the year, although there were 16 severe flu cases and six flu-related deaths confirmed last week. Among the 16 severe cases, 13 were unvaccinated in this flu season (beginning on Oct. 1), and among the six deaths, all had chronic illnesses and five were unvaccinated in this flu season, Lee said. Globally, flu activity is rising, with nearby countries, including China, Japan and South Korea, at high levels, and rising activity reported in Europe, the US and Canada, she added. As of Monday, 6.547 million doses of government-funded flu vaccines had been administered this flu season, and there were only about 280,000 doses remaining, so eligible recipients are advised to get vaccinated as early as possible before they run out, he said. As seasonal flu activity usually peaks around the Lunar New Year holidays in Taiwan, he said the centers expect flu cases in the holidays in February to be lower than previous years.

Source: Taipei Times December 24, 2025 16:55 UTC