Taiwan is launching its 2026 government-funded seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programme on October 1, with health authorities prioritising older adults, young children, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people at higher risk of severe illness.

The first phase covers 11 major groups, while a second phase for adults aged 50 to 64 without high-risk chronic conditions is scheduled to begin on November 2.

Vaccination Programme Expands

Taiwan’s health authorities have secured approximately 7.05 million influenza vaccine doses for the 2026 programme, including standard and enhanced formulations. Around 2.2 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses have also been purchased for the programme.

The campaign is designed to strengthen protection before the peak of the winter respiratory-virus season.

Priority Groups

The first phase includes people aged 65 and above, healthcare and disease-prevention workers, residents and employees of long-term-care facilities, pregnant women and people with certain underlying health conditions.

It also covers preschool children, parents or caregivers of infants younger than six months, childcare workers and students from elementary through high school for influenza vaccination.

Children aged six months to under six years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine are also included in the government-funded COVID-19 programme.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Taiwan is introducing updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026 autumn and winter season.

The government says the single-dose Moderna formulation for people aged 12 and above has been updated, with the vaccine formulation selected with reference to recommendations from international health authorities.

Taiwan’s health authorities have prioritised an XFG-based vaccine formulation for the upcoming season in response to continued evolution of the coronavirus.

Influenza Activity Remains High

The vaccination campaign begins as influenza transmission remains at elevated levels in Taiwan.

Health authorities reported 138,654 influenza-like illness outpatient and emergency visits during the week of September 20–26. They also recorded 87 new severe influenza cases and 30 deaths during the following reporting period.

The predominant influenza virus detected in community surveillance has been influenza A, particularly the H1N1 strain.

COVID-19 Cases Also Being Monitored

COVID-19 activity has been declining but remains at a level requiring continued surveillance.

Taiwan recorded 10,502 COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits during September 20–26, while health authorities reported 33 new locally acquired severe cases and 14 deaths during the following reporting week.

Older adults and people with underlying health conditions continue to account for a large proportion of severe cases.

About 4,000 Vaccination Locations

Around 4,000 contracted healthcare facilities across Taiwan are expected to provide influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Residents can check participating facilities through local health department websites and Taiwan’s official vaccine-location services before arranging an appointment. Authorities have advised eligible people to bring their health-insurance card and any required supporting documents.

Health Incentive Programme

Taiwan is also introducing a health incentive programme alongside the vaccination campaign.

Adults aged 18 and above who receive eligible vaccinations can accumulate “health coins” that can later be exchanged for health-related products. The government says influenza vaccination can earn 450 health coins, while COVID-19 vaccination can earn 900.

Focus on Winter Protection

Taiwan’s health authorities are encouraging eligible residents to receive the updated vaccines ahead of the winter respiratory-virus season.

The programme combines influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to reduce the risk of severe disease among vulnerable groups while strengthening preparedness for the seasonal increase in respiratory infections.