* Since the recent spike in confirmed Covid cases, the government in Taiwan has been overwhelmed by calls to procure more vaccines ASAP. Led by Hon Hai founder, Terry Gou, a number of corporate and religious organisations have applied to import vaccines to be distributed by the local health authorities. However, there hasn't been a notable breakthrough despite intensive and coordinated efforts.
* A local vaccine manufacturer, Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corporation, announced its stage-two, unblind results on June 10. Since the numbers were encouraging, Medigen plans to apply for EUA within days while simultaneously begin the vaccine's stage-three trial.
* The news was a welcomed injection of confidence in Taiwan's ongoing fight against Covid-19. However, significant portions of the public remain skeptical of the indigenous vaccine because: (1) its overall effectiveness against the virus, and (2) its recognition and acceptance by international health organisations, i.e. the WHO. Without the latter, it may not be helpful to bypass quarantine requirements in another country, especially for those who need to travel for work and school.
* It will likely be weeks, if not months, before Taiwan's vaccine crisis is under control. There are some who have traveled overseas to get vaccinated, most particularly to the United States and China. Since they are relatively few in numbers, it will not ease the heightened pressure on government and other organisations to make sure vaccines are readily available to the island's 24-million population.
* As such, herd immunity is not likely in Taiwan until the end of the year, or even early 2022.
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