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Public urged to get Covid vaccine booster
Officials are urging the public to get Covid-19 booster vaccines, as the infectious disease makes a comeback in Taiwan.
Premier Cho Rong-tai says the Ministry of Health still has some 3 million doses of the vaccine, enough to meet the needs, and assures that more will be imported in the event of a shortage.
The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) reported this week that Covid-19 cases from 4-10 June had increased by 25% compared to the previous week.
It says Taiwan is currently experiencing its sixth wave of the Omicron variant, and expect cases won't decline until August or September. Officials say that vaccines remain the most effective tool against the virus.
In other healthcare news, The CDC has updated its reporting criteria for type A influenza following an H5N1 avian flu outbreak at a US dairy farm. Effective Saturday, 15 June, the new definition includes acute respiratory infection or conjunctivitis with recent exposure to infected animals.
This revision comes after the US reported its third human H5N1 case, involving a farm worker in the US state of Michigan. Previous cases showed mild symptoms, while the latest included cough and eye discomfort.
The Centers for Disease Control, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and FDA, aims to enhance flu prevention and detection. Physicians are urged to document patient travel, occupation, and contact history accurately.
The WHO states that the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low. The CDC advises against consuming unpasteurized milk and recommends poultry workers use protective gear and seek medical attention if symptoms develop after exposure.
