TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control said Thursday the mandatory interval between two COVID jabs for an estimated 760,000 people in high-risk groups will be shortened to 60 days.

As COVID cases surge in Taiwan, demand for the JN.1 vaccine has climbed, according to Rti. In response, the CDC announced that starting June 11, seniors aged 65 and over, Indigenous people aged 55–64, and immunocompromised individuals may receive a second JN.1 dose after just two months due to waning protection and increased risk of severe illness.

Last week saw 62,755 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID, along with 132 severe cases and 15 deaths. The peak is expected between late June and early July, with weekly visits projected to reach 150,000 to 200,000.

Vaccine uptake has also risen, with around 69,000 doses administered last week. That marks the highest weekly figure in the past three months.

While the US CDC recommends a six-month interval between JN.1 doses, it allows for a shorter gap of at least two months during outbreaks or special situations. Taiwan’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, ACIP, had adopted the six-month guideline but retained this flexibility.

With a new wave underway and increasing inquiries from high-risk groups, Taiwan’s CDC consulted the ACIP. The committee approved shortening the interval to two months for the three designated groups starting June 11.

The CDC cited international data showing that for seniors, protection against hospitalization drops from 53% within 59 days to 38% between days 60–119. It falls to 19% between days 120–179 and offers little to no protection after 180 days.

While a six-month gap is suitable during periods of low transmission, the CDC said a two-month interval is better suited to the current surge. The change is intended to reduce the risk of severe illness among vulnerable populations.