Consensus on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations: Challenges and strategies for high-risk populations in Taiwan.
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi
ISSN
0929-6646
Date Issued
2024-12-09
Author(s)
Wu, Chih-Hsing
Hung, Wei-Chieh
Huang, Chun-Feng
Liu, Yen-Tze
Chang, Chai-Jan
Peng, Li-Ning
Yen, Chi-Hua
Huang, Cheng-Kuo
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact globally, particularly in high-risk populations such as those with underlying health conditions. In response to the evolving pandemic landscape and the recent surge in confirmed cases in Taiwan, the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine (TAFM) established a consensus on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for vulnerable groups through a comprehensive literature review, expert panel discussions, and a practice-oriented formulation procedure to develop evidence-based guidance. Its key findings highlight the increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes among individuals with disorders such as diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. It emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, in these high-risk populations. It particularly underscores the critical role of family medicine physicians in the COVID-19 response, including routine screening, health education, vaccination delivery, and continuous research to optimize strategies. Ongoing monitoring, adaptation, and collaborative efforts will be essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of these recommendations in the evolving COVID-19 landscape. In conclusion, the TAFM consensus recommendations provide a robust framework to guide healthcare providers and policymakers in tailoring vaccination efforts to address the unique needs of vulnerable groups in Taiwan and are an applicable template for neighboring countries.
Subjects
COVID-19 vaccine
Consensus
High-risk populations
Vulnerable groups
mRNA
SDGs
Type
journal article