Subject: Forwarding the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s promotional information on the prevention and control of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory infectious diseases
Explanation:
1. Handled in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Welfare letter No. 1150400020, dated January 20, 2026.
2. According to disease surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control (hereinafter referred to as the CDC) under the Ministry, although the current influenza-like illness epidemic remains stable and the COVID-19 epidemic is at a low level, considering that the Lunar New Year holiday in February this year lasts for 9 consecutive days, population movement may increase the spread of the epidemic. In addition, schools and institutions, due to relatively crowded living or activity spaces, are prone to the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Therefore, schools and institutions should effectively implement case management for influenza and COVID-19, reporting of cluster events, and infection control measures to prevent cluster incidents and avoid the spread of the epidemic.
3. Please cooperate in implementing prevention and response measures for influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory infectious diseases as follows:
(1) Assist in promoting vaccination and encourage faculty, staff, and students to actively receive vaccinations: Starting from January 1 of this year, individuals aged 6 months and above who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as those eligible for publicly funded influenza vaccination who have not yet been vaccinated, are requested to complete vaccination as soon as possible. The expanded COVID-19 vaccination program is available until February 28 of the same year, and influenza vaccines are available until supplies are exhausted. Information on nearby contracted medical institutions can be obtained via local government health bureau websites, the CDC global information website, the CDC LINE service, or by calling the 1922 epidemic prevention consultation hotline. Appointments for publicly funded vaccination can be made directly with medical institutions. Local health authorities may also assist in coordinating contracted institutions to set up on-campus vaccination stations to provide vaccination services and safeguard health.
(2) Implement relevant epidemic prevention measures: If any personnel on campus exhibit suspected symptoms of influenza or COVID-19, they should be asked to wear a mask immediately and be assisted in seeking medical care. In the event of a suspected cluster, it should be reported to the local health bureau, and cooperation should be provided for epidemiological investigation and data submission. Relevant infection control measures should be implemented (see Attachment 2: "Infection Control Measures for Prevention and Response to Influenza Cluster Events," as well as the "Guidelines for Infection Control Measures for Healthcare Institutions in Response to COVID-19" and the "Guidelines for Infection Control Measures for Welfare Institutions (Residential) in Response to COVID-19" published on the CDC global information website).
4. For regulations regarding the handling of influenza cluster events and COVID-19 cluster events, please visit the CDC global information website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) /Infectious Diseases & Prevention Topics/Infectious Disease Introduction/Class IV Notifiable Infectious Diseases/Severe Complicated Influenza, Severe Complicated COVID-19/Important Guidelines and Materials section to view or download for use.
