News
Vaccine mix-and-match expanded, 3rd jab considered
Courtesy of ICRT
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is expanding the availability of mix-and-match second coronavirus vaccine shots.
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says people who have received one AstraZeneca shot can now make an appointment for a second shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine from Thursday.
Those eligible for the mix-and-match shot must have received their first AstraZeneca shot at least eight weeks ago.
And they will be able to book a second jab through the government's vaccination website or make an appointment directly with designated hospitals or clinics.
The health minister says the move is aimed at ensuring that more people can be fully vaccinated with two jabs as soon as possible.
Figures show that 77.15% of the island's population have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, while 48.9% have now been fully vaccinated with two shots.
In related news, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is planning for people to get a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
As Covid-19 continues to spread around the world, driven by the highly contagious delta variant, many countries have begun giving a third shot to citizens.
Chen says the CECC is considering starting third jabs in the new year, with patients getting the same brand as they did for the first two shots.
He says the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are still considering details.
He notes that the plans are not final yet, and an announcement will be made once a decision has been set.
