Nearly 95% of Taipei First Graders Vaccinated, Over 800 Still Need Doses

In Taipei, 94.8% of the estimated 15,918 first-grade students have completed the final two doses of routine public vaccines required for school entry as of June 1. However, over 800 children have yet to receive these essential vaccinations.

The Taipei Department of Health is encouraging parents to ensure their children receive these vaccinations before the start of the school year. Completing the schedule promptly helps extend the vaccine's protective effect and ensures timely immunity.

For children born between September 2, 2019, and September 1, 2020, who are entering first grade this year, the department is offering a special incentive. Those who complete their two-dose vaccination course at designated Taipei Municipal United Hospital outpatient clinics will receive a commemorative gift, while supplies last.

Publicly funded routine vaccines for children include nine types and 19 doses. Children typically need eight types and 17 doses by age three. Before entering elementary school, they require a second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus (DTaP-IPV) combination vaccine. Parents must submit a copy of their child's vaccination record to the school upon enrollment.

The Department of Health emphasizes that vaccinations are a globally recognized and highly effective measure for preventing infectious diseases, reducing the risk of severe illness, and lowering mortality rates. They urge parents to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule to safeguard their children's health.