Taiwan offers nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2-17

As the school year approaches and COVID-19 cases see a recent uptick, Taiwanese health officials are urging parents to prioritize flu vaccinations for children. Doctors express concern over a potential surge in respiratory virus infections once students return to classrooms. In 2026, Taiwan has already recorded 740 cases of severe flu complications and 137 deaths, with children being approximately five times more susceptible to infection than adults.

Dr. Li Ping-ying, president of the Taiwan Vaccine Promotion Association and a pediatrician at National Taiwan University Hospital, highlighted the evolving nature of flu viruses. He noted that while Type A (H3N2) dominated last fall, Type B briefly surpassed it in March, with Type A resurging in June. This pattern indicates that flu risks are not confined to winter months. Li emphasized the importance of early vaccination for high-risk groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, to prevent severe outcomes.

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Children are about five times more likely than adults to contract influenza outside the home.

Li further explained that influenza is not a common cold and can lead to serious complications in children, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, encephalopathy, and myocarditis. Citing research, he stated that children are about five times more likely than adults to contract influenza outside the home, potentially acting as the initial vector for transmission within families and schools. This creates a chain reaction of infections.

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The child developed acute necrotizing encephalitis after contracting influenza A, and his condition rapidly worsened, ultimately leading to his unfortunate death.

Dr. Huang Yu-cheng, a pediatrician at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, shared a case of a 12-year-old boy who developed acute necrotizing encephalitis after contracting influenza A, leading to a rapid deterioration and a tragic death. He stressed that children exhibiting symptoms like rapid breathing, altered consciousness, unusual drowsiness, or a significant decrease in activity levels should seek immediate medical attention.

In addition to traditional flu shots, a nasal spray vaccine has been available in Taiwan since last year. This option is suitable for children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 who meet specific criteria. The vaccine is administered via a nasal spray, which can alleviate the fear of needles for younger patients. However, the publicly funded flu vaccine program primarily uses injectable forms, while the nasal spray vaccine requires a private payment. Parents are encouraged to discuss the best vaccination method with their doctor. Regardless of the method, doctors stress that any vaccination is better than none. They advise completing vaccinations before the flu season begins, adhering to annual policies, and maintaining good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and ensuring good indoor ventilation. Individuals with fever or respiratory symptoms should avoid school and group gatherings to curb virus spread.

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It is better to get vaccinated than not to get vaccinated.