Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has announced three new publicly funded vaccine policies to be implemented starting in 2026, including an upgrade to adult pneumococcal vaccines, enhanced influenza vaccines for elderly residents in care facilities, and increased vaccination administration fees. These measures have been approved following expert consultations and Cabinet review and will be rolled out in phases to strengthen public health protection.
Regarding pneumococcal vaccines, the CDC stated that based on vaccination experiences in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, and supported by clinical trial results and international recommendations, a single dose of a new 20-valent or 21-valent vaccine will replace the previous two-dose regimen. This change is expected to improve completion rates and reduce the risk of severe illness. The upgraded program is scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026, covering adults aged 65 and above, Indigenous people aged 55 to 64, and high-risk groups.
Three new publicly funded vaccine policies(Photo /Ministry of Health and Welfare)
For influenza vaccination, enhanced vaccines have been approved for elderly residents aged 65 and above in long-term care and nursing facilities, with an initial allocation of approximately 200,000 doses planned ahead of the flu season.
In addition, vaccination administration fees will be increased starting March 1, 2026, to NT$200 per dose for children under six and NT$150 per dose for the general public, encouraging medical institutions to continue providing vaccination services.
