Health

Taiwan Launches 'Health Coin' Cash Rewards To Boost Flu Vaccinations

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By Joseph Wu/Irene Lin

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As health officials anticipate an October surge in seasonal influenza, Taiwan has launched an innovative "health coin" program to encourage vaccination and routine medical checkups. The program allows eligible residents to collect virtual coins redeemable for real-world currency, ranging from approximately US$25 to US$400 depending on the number of completed shots and health screenings. Over 23,000 people signed up within the first hour of registration. Priority during the initial wave is given to high-risk demographics, including older adults aged 65 and over, children under 18, pregnant women and healthcare workers.

Health officials are trying to get ahead of flu season.... offering a new incentive for people getting the government's free shots.

This health coin program allows people to collect virtual coins equivalent to real money.

Compensation ranges from about $25 US dollars to as much as $400, depending on the number of vaccinations and checkups involved.

SHIH CHUNG-LIANG, HEALTH MINISTER:
"As of 11 a.m. this morning, within an hour of launching there are already 23,000 people registered for the program."

Health officials say Taiwan is expected to see a peak in flu cases in October, and that they could remain high for at least a month.

Almost every year in Taiwan, thousands of people catch the flu... and hundreds die from it.

Those aged 65 and older, children under 18, pregnant people ... and healthcare workers are being given priority in the first round of shots.

This woman brought her two-year-old daughter to get vaccinated on launch day.

PARENT: 
"She’s a bit bigger now. We know how it works at the clinic. They know how to handle it. She’ll cry for a bit at first then they quickly comfort her with toys."

As for the cash incentives, some people say they think it will push more people to get vaccinated.

"I got [US$31] for getting the COVID-19 vaccine last year. If there’s [a cash incentive] this time, too [US$28], right? I think I would be willing to get the shot. For people our age it's better that we get vaccinated."

"You should get vaccinated no matter what. It’s for your own protection. (Do you get the shots every year?) Yes, because I have children [and] older adults at home. We have to protect them."

Taiwanese citizens and those with valid residency and health insurance are all eligible for the shots and rewards. The health coins will be redeemable starting in December.

Officials hope that the new incentive will help save the country’s medical resources and continue to protect public health.