Taiwan health officials are urging high-risk groups to receive a second COVID-19 booster after a new Omicron subvariant began dominating local cases [1].
The push for vaccinations comes as the island faces a surge in severe illness and fatalities, signaling that previous immunity may be waning against the latest strain.
According to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, a newly identified Omicron subvariant has accounted for over 85% [1] of all COVID-19 cases over the past four weeks. This shift in the viral landscape has led to a seasonal record of severe cases [1].
Last week, Taiwan recorded three deaths [1] attributed to the virus. The CDC said these figures underscore the necessity of updated protections for vulnerable populations.
Health officials said that individuals in high-risk groups who received their last vaccine dose three months ago or more should now seek a second booster [1]. The government is providing free booster doses to eligible citizens while supplies last [1].
These free vaccinations will be available through late September 2024 [1]. Officials said the window for these doses is limited to ensure the most vulnerable are protected before further seasonal shifts in transmission occur.
The CDC continues to monitor the prevalence of the subvariant to determine if further public health interventions are required to manage the record level of severe cases [1].
“A newly identified Omicron subvariant now accounts for over 85% of COVID-19 cases.”
The rapid dominance of a single subvariant accounting for the vast majority of cases suggests a high level of immune evasion. By targeting high-risk individuals who have not been vaccinated in at least three months, Taiwan is attempting to prevent a collapse of healthcare capacity caused by the record number of severe cases.
