The Season for Seniors' 'Pneumonia Vaccination' Has Arrived

Busan Daedong Hospital Designated as Medical Institution for Free Pneumococcal Vaccination Program
Participates in KDCA National Immunization Program... Free Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Daedong Hospital has been designated as a medical institution for the 2020 National Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for the elderly by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and will provide free pneumococcal vaccinations to seniors aged 65 and older starting from the 22nd.

Pneumococcus is a major causative bacterium of invasive infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, acute otitis media, and meningitis, and it spreads through respiratory droplets via direct person-to-person contact.

According to the 2020 Infectious Disease Control Guidelines by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, pneumococcus is classified as a second-class infectious disease, requiring reporting within 24 hours and isolation when occurrence or outbreaks are suspected due to its transmissibility.

Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus typically has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days and is accompanied by sudden chills and high fever, difficulty breathing, cough with mucopurulent sputum, chest pain, hypoxia, tachycardia, fatigue, and weakness. It can lead to complications such as pericarditis, atelectasis, lung abscess, and bronchial obstruction caused by empyema.

As of 2018, pneumonia ranked third among causes of death in South Korea, with a rate of 45.4 per 100,000 people. Among bacterial pneumonia cases, pneumococcus accounts for 27 to 69% depending on reports. In seniors aged 65 and older, the fatality rate of invasive pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia accompanied by bacteremia, endocarditis, and meningitis increases, making vaccination important.

Not only seniors aged 65 and older but also individuals with chronic cardiovascular diseases, chronic pulmonary diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, immunocompromised status, alcoholism, and smokers are considered at risk for pneumococcal infection and are advised to consult specialists before vaccination.

Unvaccinated seniors aged 65 and older can receive free vaccinations at designated medical institutions and public health centers regardless of their residence from the 22nd until the end of this year.

To ensure safe vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients should make an appointment before visiting medical institutions, visit on the designated date, wear masks, and follow personal hygiene guidelines such as hand sanitization.

Lee Hae-kyun, Director of the Comprehensive Health Examination Center at Daedong Hospital and a specialist in family medicine, advised, “Vaccination prevents pneumococcal infections, reduces disease burden, extends healthy lifespan, and improves quality of life. Therefore, eligible individuals should be sure to get vaccinated at nearby medical institutions.”

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