Nowon-gu, Free Pneumonia Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Secured 158 Consigned Medical Institutions... Vaccination Available Nationwide at Consigned Hospitals Regardless of Address

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is providing free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older until December this year.

Pneumonia ranks third among causes of death in South Korea (45.4 per 100,000 people, based on 2018 data), and invasive pneumococcal diseases caused by pneumococcus (such as pneumonia with bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis) are especially fatal in seniors aged 65 and above.

If pneumococcal infection progresses to bacteremia or meningitis, the fatality rate increases by 60-80%, requiring careful attention.

Since 2013, the district has been providing free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older, and last year, over 5,500 seniors received the free vaccination.

Until February this year, vaccinations were administered at the district health center, but as the health center has been focused on COVID-19 tasks and access has been restricted due to infection risks, free vaccinations will be provided at designated medical institutions within the district until December.

The district has secured 158 medical institutions in the area to make it easier for seniors to visit.

The free vaccination is available to seniors aged 65 and older (born on or before December 31, 1955), and they may use any designated hospital or clinic nationwide regardless of their registered address.

Visitors should make a reservation to set an appointment time in advance and bring identification (resident registration card or driver's license). However, those aged 65 and older who have previously received the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are excluded from the support.

The district is strengthening welfare checks for vulnerable seniors with weakened immunity against heatwaves. For about 2,700 users of the customized elderly care service, welfare calls are made twice a week under normal conditions, daily during heatwave warnings, and visits are conducted if calls are unanswered three or more times.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok stated, “With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, disease management for high-risk seniors has become even more important. We urge those who have not yet received the pneumococcal vaccination to visit a nearby participating medical institution and get vaccinated without fail.”

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