Seoul to Offer Free Flu Vaccinations for Children, Pregnant Women, and Seniors Starting on 21st

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will begin providing free influenza vaccinations for children, pregnant women, and seniors starting on the 21st.

According to sample surveillance results from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), influenza-like illness (patients showing symptoms of a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher along with a cough or sore throat) at clinic-level medical institutions reached 25.3 per 1,000 outpatients during the week from August 30 to September 5, which is double the previous week's figure of 13.3.

The city explained that vaccinations are necessary for vulnerable groups as this level is more than three times higher than the same period last year (6.6 per 1,000 outpatients).

Vaccinations will begin with children who require two doses of the influenza vaccine and pregnant women.

Those who require a single dose can receive their vaccination starting on the 28th.

As the eligibility for the national immunization support program for children has been expanded from age 13 to age 14, children born up to January 1, 2012, are now eligible to receive the benefit.

Seniors aged 65 and older will begin receiving vaccinations by age group starting on October 12.

Citizens can receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during a single visit to a medical institution.

Seniors aged 65 and older residing in nursing hospitals and facilities can receive their vaccinations immediately as soon as vaccines are supplied following the 21st of this month.

Eligible individuals for free vaccination can receive their shots at nearby designated contracted medical institutions regardless of their address, and these institutions can be checked on the KDCA Vaccination Assistance website (nip.kdca.go.kr).

The city also plans to provide information regarding vaccinations through the 120 Dasan Call Center and the Seoul Metropolitan Government website.

Cho Young-chang, head of the Citizens' Health Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "As influenza outbreaks are showing an increasing trend at levels higher than usual, we hope that citizens eligible for vaccination will check the schedule and get vaccinated in a timely manner."

He also urged citizens to practice basic preventive rules, such as wearing masks in crowded places, and actively participate in adhering to prevention guidelines, particularly in infection-vulnerable facilities and group living facilities such as schools and daycare centers.

(Photo provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.