Page 92 - 2022 Taiwan Health and Welfare Report

2. Acute viral hepatitis B and C
The numbers of confirmed cases of acute viral hepatitis B and C in 2021 were 144 and 561, respectively. A sample survey of pregnant women screened for hepatitis B during prenatal care visits and newborns vaccinated against hepatitis B suggested that the carrier rate among children aged 6 decreased to 0.8% (2007 survey) from 10.5% before immunization (1989 survey). In addition, in order to reduce the chance of acquiring hepatitis B among children born to pregnant women with hepatitis B (HBsAg positive), we continue to promote "follow-up checkups and vaccinations of children at a higher risk of hepatitis B infection".
▏Section 5 Influenza Control 1. Seasonal influenza
(1) Due to a high level of public compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures, there was only 1 confirmed severe case of influenza with severe complications, as shown in Figure 6-7.
(2) The MOHW launched the "Influenza Vaccine Immunization Program" in October 2021. As of August 14, 2022, a total of over 6,060,000 immunizations were administered.
(3) The MOHW rigorously monitored influenza activity, strengthened the quality of medical care available for acute cases, and the
allocation of resources. The MOHW set up approximately 4,200 locations to dispense subsidized influenza antivirals.
2. Novel Influenza A Virus Infections (Flu Pandemic)
(1) Information on the avian influenza epidemic was exchanged through an interagency communication platform to ensure stringent surveillance of avian influenza variants and the risk of their spreading to humans. Health monitoring took place among front- line workers handling the slaughter of poultry and cleaning and disinfection of poultry farms. A total of 678 individuals were monitored in 2021, and no human infection with avian influenza was detected.
(2) Surveillance of the antigenicity, drug resistance, and genetic changes of flu viruses as well as emergence of novel flus continued. With international norms/ rules considered, the establishment of the Advance Purchase Agreement (APA) mechanism was proposed. The MOHW has reserved influenza antiviral drugs sufficient for 10-15% of the population.
▏Section 6
Prevention and Control of COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan officially designated COVID-19 as a Category V communicable disease on January
Figure 6-7
Cases
2
1
0
Confirmed Severe Complicated Influenza Infections in 2021
90
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.