It’s time to have children vaccinated against flu.Children between six months and two years old, or born between September 1, 2003 and last April 30, will have free flu shots starting Monday, a spokesman for the Department of Health said yesterday.
Free vaccination for small children will continue as long as vaccines last, the spokesman said.But they will have to have booster shots before the end of November.“So we hope parents will have their offspring vaccinated first before the end of next month,” said the DOH official.
As a matter of fact, free vaccination for medical personnel began last Monday.Beginning from October 3, elderly citizens 65 years old or above — born on or before December 31, 1940 — will receive free flu shots. Vaccination will go on until vaccines are used up.
Poultry farm workers will receive free shots starting from October 3, too.“People with rare diseases will also get free vaccination as from October 3,” the DOH spokesman added.The DOH has over 2.15 million doses in stock. “We have more than enough to vaccinate all those in need,” the official said.Other people have to pay for flu shots.
Prices vary from NT$400 to NT$700 a shot.A dose costs NT$200, but clinics and hospitals charge fees ranging from NT$200 to NT$500.People pay NT$400 for a flu shot at public health centers. It was priced NT$300 last year.Shin Kong Memorial Hospital charges NT$620. A flu shot at Taipei Medical University Hospital is NT$520.
Other top hospitals have yet decided on charges. They include Taiwan University Hospital, Chang Gong Memorial Hospital, and Veterans General Hospitals.