In the picture above, Dr. Wang Chung-jing is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine shot. As the medical vice-superintendent - the boss of all doctors at our hospital - his public display of confidence in the the AstraZeneca vaccine reassures all doctors at STM of the its safety and efficacy. Patients should feel the doctor treating them has done everything currently possible to protect themselves and others from potentially spreading COVID-19.
St. Martin De Porres Hospital is authorized by the Taiwan government to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccination services to qualified individuals who believe they are at high-risk for exposure or have booked a flight out of the country. Testing costs 5000 on weekdays/ 5700 on Saturdays and holidays, and is done by nasal swabbing. Test results will be reported in Chinese and English by 7PM the following day. If you need an expedited report, it can be available 4 hours after testing for a 2000 NTD surcharge. Testing is performed by our Emergency Department. Registration in advance is highly suggested, and you may do so here:
https://flw.stm.org.tw/reg/CovidReg/Index
We also provide the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through our Health Management Center on the 6th floor (if you have previously been to STM for health exams to renew your ARC, you know where it is). Registration in advance is highly suggested, and you may do so here:
https://flw.stm.org.tw/reg/Home/DrChoose?deptGrouptID=CV&ran=f
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of misinformation regarding COVID-19 here in Taiwan and in the rest of the world. Perhaps you, too, have received emails from unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage the fear and uncertainty so many of us have. The prudent thing to do is seriously consider information from organizations who are accountable. If this makes sense to you, there are two websites worth your attention:
https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En
https://www.ait.org.tw/covid-19-information/
Everyone should be encouraged to make well-informed decisions about their health. As a society, we have had great success in controlling the spread of COVID-19 with practices such as wearing medical masks, diligent hand washing, practicing social distancing when warranted. With the availability of a vaccine, one must make a candid assessment of the risks and benefits it presents. Discussing this with a trusted physician who understands your medical situation can be a great help.
As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, we should appreciate Taiwan's success with keeping this terrible virus from getting a foothold and threatening the local population. Many expats as well as Taiwanese are deeply saddened by the widespread suffering happening overseas, and we all have a part to play in helping others weather this prolonged worldwide hardship. Words of encouragement to those in pain, pitching in for sending needed medical supplies, and, if your heart moves you¡Kpray.
