[Kaohsiung News] Taiwan’s influenza season is expected to enter its peak in October. Beginning October 1, free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered nationwide. During a recent municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen Chi-mai called on high-risk groups to receive vaccinations and reminded the public to observe personal hygiene practices when experiencing respiratory symptoms. Mayor Chen also noted that following the overflow of the Matai’an River landslide dam in Hualien, Kaohsiung’s special search and rescue team has completed its support mission and returned. He instructed relevant departments to promptly assess and coordinate available equipment and resources, emphasizing the importance of delivering them to Hualien as quickly as possible to fully support disaster relief efforts.
In light of the recent rise in influenza activity nationwide, with the season expected to peak in October, Mayor Chen announced that free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered concurrently starting October 1. Kaohsiung will provide a total of 790,000 free influenza vaccine doses, aiming for an estimated citywide coverage rate of 30%. The first phase of the vaccination campaign will prioritize eligible groups for free inoculation, including seniors aged 65 and above, young children, and other high-risk populations. Mayor Chen urged the Department of Health to fully implement the vaccination policy and step up efforts to raise coverage rates among high-risk groups. Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms are advised to follow proper personal hygiene practices, including wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and seeking medical attention promptly. For high-risk individuals, antiviral prescriptions should be administered as soon as possible.
Mayor Chen also noted that the epidemic alert for local dengue fever in Gushan and Sanmin districts was lifted on September 29. However, he stressed the importance of thorough epidemiological investigations for imported dengue cases to prevent further spread and the development of new local outbreaks. High-risk environments such as markets, construction sites, schools, rooftop gutters, flooded basements, vacant lots, and abandoned buildings require continued monitoring and management. Relevant agencies have been instructed to carry out regular inspections and removal of mosquito breeding sources, strengthen community mobilization, and improve environmental cleanup efforts to effectively reduce the risk of vector-borne transmission.
On another note, the Bureau of Cultural Affairs briefed on the upcoming Taiwan Technology X Culture Expo (TTXC), which will take place from October 10 to 26. Jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, TTXC has become a flagship national exhibition brand. The program includes Asia’s largest XR film festival, featuring this year’s Venice Film Festival award-winning work The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up, which sold out within 10 minutes, as well as a special XR edition of the classic film Titanic that allows audiences to immerse themselves in the story. Mayor Chen Chi-mai extended an invitation to visit Kaohsiung, the city at the forefront of AI innovation, to experience the future firsthand and help foster the vibrant growth of the cultural and technology sector.
Mayor Chen also reported on disaster relief efforts following the September 23 Typhoon-induced flooding at the Matai’an River landslide dam in Guangfu Township, Hualien. The Kaohsiung Special Search and Rescue Team was mobilized immediately upon request from the Hualien County Government, traveling overnight to provide assistance. The team has now returned to Kaohsiung, where Mayor Chen personally welcomed them back and expressed his gratitude. Upon learning that the disaster zone still required equipment such as skid-steer loaders, grapple trucks, and water trucks, Mayor Chen instructed relevant departments to quickly coordinate machinery and manpower to ensure timely delivery of resources and full support for relief operations.
Before the municipal administrative meeting, Mayor Chen also presented awards to students and teachers from Shengli Elementary School, Yangming Junior High School, and Kaohsiung Senior High School for their outstanding achievements at the 65th National Primary and High School Science Fair. Shengli Elementary won first place in mathematics at the elementary level, Yangming Junior High earned first place in physics at the junior high level, and Kaohsiung Senior High claimed top honors in both physics and astronomy as well as environmental science at the senior high level.
Photo 1: With influenza season expected to peak in October, Mayor Chen Chi-mai urges high-risk groups to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which will be available free of charge starting October 1.
Photo 2: Mayor Chen Chi-mai commends students from Shengli Elementary School, Yangming Junior High School, and Kaohsiung Senior High School for winning first place in the individual awards at the 65th National Primary and High School Science Fair.