3.17 Million to Benefit! Public Pneumococcal Vaccine Upgraded to Single Dose in August; Court Ruling Required for Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced today (1) the official implementation of multiple major policies and medical measures starting in August. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will fully upgrade the adult public pneumococcal vaccine to a new formulation, providing full protection with just one dose. The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program will also be extended until September 28, 115. The National Health Insurance Administration has approved temporary or formal reimbursement for numerous new drugs, significantly reducing patients' financial burdens. Additionally, amendments to the Mental Health Act have taken effect, shifting the authority to order involuntary hospitalization from administrative review boards to court rulings, with expert participation, thereby enhancing human rights protections.

Comprehensive Upgrade of Public Vaccines: Strengthening Protection Against Pneumococcal Disease and COVID-19

To strengthen the nation's immune protection network, the CDC announced that starting August 10, the adult public pneumococcal vaccine will be fully upgraded to a new formulation. The program targets adults aged 65 and above, indigenous people aged 55 to 64, and high-risk individuals aged 19 to 64. Replacing the previous two-dose regimen, the new vaccine provides complete protection with just one shot, benefiting approximately 3.17 million people. Additionally, considering the recent rise in domestic COVID-19 cases and the risks associated with the summer travel season, the CDC has extended the free vaccination program for all individuals aged six months and above until September 28, 115, to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.

Expanded NHI Reimbursement: Enhanced Support for Cancer and Rare Disease Treatments

To address unmet clinical needs, the Central Bureau of National Health Insurance has significantly expanded and revised drug reimbursement policies effective August 1. In the fields of anti-infectives and oncology, a new-generation antibiotic for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and a new maintenance therapy drug for FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia patients post-transplant have been formally included in reimbursement. Additionally, treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, prophylactic therapy for severe hemophilia, oral liquid medication for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, first-line treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, and immunotherapy combination regimens for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer have been added to formal or temporary NHI coverage. These changes are expected to benefit tens of thousands of patients annually, significantly reducing their financial burden. Key reforms include the expansion of public pneumococcal vaccination, inclusion of multiple new cancer and rare disease drugs in NHI coverage, and the shift to court-ordered involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.

New Mental Health Act Regulations: Establishing Judicial Oversight and Expert Review

On the front of social safety nets and human rights protection, amendments to the Mental Health Act—passed by the Legislative Yuan and promulgated by the President—officially took effect on August 1. The authority to order involuntary hospitalization for individuals with severe mental illness has shifted from administrative review committees to applications filed with the "courts," fully adopting the principle of "judicial retention." The new system also introduces "expert participation," enabling a more comprehensive assessment of patients' medical needs and social support systems. This reform symbolizes a historic advancement in Taiwan's protection of the rights of individuals with mental illness.