Gwangjin-gu Expands Free Flu Vaccinations to Prepare for Simultaneous COVID-19 and Flu Outbreaks

Free Vaccination Expanded to Residents Aged 6 Months to 18 Years and 62 Years or Older...Vaccination Costs Supported for Long-term Care Workers Aged 61 or Younger

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is expanding free flu vaccination to prepare for the simultaneous spread of influenza during winter amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

The district has expanded the free vaccination target from the previous 6 months to 12 years old to 6 months to 18 years old, and from 65 years old and above to 62 years old and above, actively guiding eligible individuals to receive vaccinations in a timely manner.

The flu vaccination shows preventive effects starting two weeks after vaccination and lasts for about six months on average. Considering that the flu season lasts from December to April of the following year, it is important to get vaccinated at the right time.

The free flu vaccination uses the quadrivalent vaccine, which covers a wider range of prevention, and is administered sequentially by age group.

First, from September 8, children under 9 years old who have received only one flu vaccination or have never been vaccinated are eligible, and from September 22, those aged 18 and under and pregnant women are eligible.

To protect the health of students who have a high incidence of flu and live in group settings, intensive vaccination periods are scheduled: high school students from September 22 to 29, middle school students from October 5 to 12, and elementary school students from October 19 to 30.

For seniors, to avoid congestion and ensure safe vaccination, those aged 75 and above will be vaccinated on October 12, those aged 70 to 74 on October 20, and those aged 62 and above from October 27 sequentially.

Additionally, vulnerable residents (those with disabilities grades 1 to 3, and medical aid recipients of types 1 and 2 among basic livelihood security recipients) can receive free vaccinations from October 6 to November 30.

Hospitals and clinics (designated medical institutions) where vaccinations can be received for each target group can be checked on the district website and the Vaccination Helper site.

For more details, inquiries can be made to the Gwangjin-gu Public Health Center Vaccination Office.

Furthermore, the district supports vaccination costs for long-term care facility workers aged 61 and under to ensure their health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases within facilities.

Eligible workers can receive vaccinations at their own expense at their preferred hospital from September 1 to November 10, then claim the costs from their long-term care facility, and the costs will be reimbursed in December.

District Mayor Kim Seon-gap said, “I urge residents, who are going through difficult times due to the spread of COVID-19, to get timely vaccinations not only for themselves but also for the health of their neighbors,” and added, “Please adhere to mask-wearing, social distancing, and pay special attention to personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.”

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