PublishTime：2025-03-18
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) announced today (18th) that the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains ongoing. Since the rollout of the JN.1 COVID-19 vaccine on October 1, 2024, more than 96% of severe domestic COVID-19 cases with complications and deaths have occurred among individuals who had not received the JN.1 vaccine. Getting vaccinated with the JN.1 vaccine effectively enhances protection against the currently dominant virus strains and reduces the risk of severe illness and death. Members of the public who have not received the JN.1 vaccine are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect their health.
Taiwan CDC reported that the COVID-19 situation is fluctuating at a low level with a continued increase in severe cases. During the previous week (March 11-17), there were six new severe domestic COVID-19 cases with complications and one death. From September 1, 2024 to March 17, 2025, there were a cumulative total of 522 severe domestic COVID-19 cases with complications. Among these cases, there were 112 deaths, a majority of which occurred among individuals 65 years and older and those with chronic disease. Among the confirmed cases and deaths reported since October 1, 2024, over 96% of them were individuals who were not vaccinated with the JN.1 vaccine. Additionally, in the past four weeks, the dominant COVID-19 variant detected in domestic cases was XEC, followed by JN.1 and LP.8.1. Taiwan CDC also pointed out that, globally, the COVID-19 positivity rate is on a downward trend, except for Africa, where cases have recently increased. The dominant strain worldwide is XEC, with the LP.8.1 variant increasing in proportion.
According to Taiwan CDC statistics, as of March 17, a cumulative total of 2.043 million doses of the JN.1 vaccine have been administered, including 1.916 million doses of the Moderna JN.1 vaccine and 127,000 doses of the Novavax JN.1 vaccine.
Taiwan CDC reminds the public to stay warm amid recent cold waves and to get vaccinated as soon as possible. There is an adequate supply of the JN.1 vaccine nationwide. Individuals aged 12 and older can choose between the Moderna and Novavax vaccines. For children aged six months through 11 years, only the Moderna JN.1 vaccine is authorized according to approved indications. Members of the public are also urged to maintain good personal hygiene and take personal protective measures. People who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and other suspicious symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and then rest at home to protect their health.