As Taiwan experiences a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced a crucial policy shift to shorten the required interval between two COVID-19 vaccine doses for high-risk groups from 6 months (180 days) to just 2 months (60 days) starting June 5, 2025. This decision follows multiple public requests and growing medical evidence that vaccine protection significantly wanes over time, especially in older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
The change applies to three vulnerable populations:
- Individuals aged 65 and above
- Indigenous people aged 55 to 64
- People aged 6 months and older with weakened immune systems
The revised policy is not a blanket recommendation for the general population but rather a targeted approach to protect those most at risk amid rising community transmission levels, particularly of the JN.1 variant, which has become the dominant strain.
🔍 Unique Insights & Context
🧬 Why the Change?
CDC spokesperson Lo Yi-chun cited real-world data showing a sharp decline in vaccine effectiveness over time:
- 53% protection in the first 59 days after one JN.1 shot (for those aged 65+)
- Falls to 38% between days 60–119
- Drops further to 19% between days 120–179
- Near 0% protection beyond 180 days
This waning immunity has become especially concerning as Taiwan recorded its highest weekly totals of COVID-19 outpatient visits and severe cases in 2025. The 60-day interval is seen as a flexible, data-informed response, in contrast to the previous “strict standard” that assumed low transmission risk.
🏥 How Many People Are Affected?
An estimated 760,000 high-risk individuals will become eligible for their second booster starting June 5. Vaccination sites across Taiwan have been given a few days to reorganize and prepare for the influx.
Despite the expansion, those outside the designated high-risk groups remain eligible for only one dose under the public vaccination scheme.
💉 Vaccine Demand Spikes
Public response to the JN.1 vaccine has been robust:
- 69,000 people received the vaccine between May 26 and June 1
- That’s a 1.7-fold increase from the 41,000 the previous week
- Highest weekly uptake in 2025 so far
The CDC attributes this surge to growing public awareness and rising case counts, pushing people to seek protection proactively.
🌐 Global Comparison
Taiwan’s revised booster policy brings it in line with several countries, such as the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe, where booster intervals have been adjusted based on circulating variants and real-world vaccine performance data. While Taiwan has maintained a relatively cautious stance post-pandemic, this shift marks a more agile, real-time response from public health authorities.
❓ FAQs
Who is eligible for the shortened 60-day interval?
People aged 65+, Indigenous individuals aged 55–64, and immunocompromised persons aged 6 months+.
When does the new rule take effect?
Wednesday, June 5, 2025.
Can non-high-risk people also get a second dose?
No. As of now, only one dose is available for the general public under the public vaccine program.
Which COVID-19 variant is currently circulating in Taiwan?
The JN.1 variant is the dominant strain, prompting the need for additional protection in high-risk groups.
Is this a one-time adjustment?
The CDC may revise the policy again based on future transmission trends and global vaccine data.
