Damyang-gun Conducts Free Pneumococcal Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Choi Hyung-sik) announced on the 17th that it will provide free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older.

Invasive infections caused by pneumococcus are fatal to elderly people aged 65 and older with weakened immune systems, and if pneumococcal infections progress to bacteremia or meningitis, the fatality rate increases to 60-80%.

Since May 2013, the county has been promoting the national pneumococcal vaccination program for seniors at public health centers to prevent invasive pneumococcal infections, maintaining a 94% vaccination rate among those aged 66 and older.

Additionally, to protect high-risk elderly individuals and prepare for the second wave of COVID-19, the program will be temporarily expanded to private medical institutions from the 22nd until December 31st.

The pneumococcal vaccination target group is those aged 65 and older who have never received the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). They can receive the vaccination free of charge at nearby public health institutions and 19 designated medical institutions within the county by bringing their ID.

A county official stated, “Concerns continue to arise that COVID-19 will resurge this winter, and if it coincides with the flu season, it could lead to fatal outcomes. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent it in advance through vaccination,” adding, “We will continue to carry out various support projects for the health of our residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.