Yeosu City Supports Flu Vaccination for All Citizens... Proactive Response to COVID-19

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Yeosu City (Mayor Kwon Oh-bong) is drawing attention for taking proactive measures such as significantly expanding the target groups for free vaccinations in preparation for the double-demic situation where COVID-19 and influenza are simultaneously prevalent.

Since a catastrophic situation such as medical disorder chaos could occur if COVID-19 and influenza spread simultaneously without vaccines, it is judged that influenza vaccination for all citizens is essential.

The government has also decided to expand the free influenza vaccination targets this year to include infants aged 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, and those aged 62 to 64.

The city is going a step further by expanding vaccinations to those aged 19 to 61, who are excluded from the free vaccination targets, to proactively respond to COVID-19 and promote citizens' health.

First, those aged 60 to 61 can receive vaccinations free of charge, with the city covering all vaccine and vaccination costs. For those aged 19 to 59, the city plans to support 10,000 KRW per person from their out-of-pocket expenses to enable more citizens to get vaccinated. Eligible individuals must present an ID verifying their status as Yeosu citizens and receive vaccinations at one of the 114 designated entrusted medical institutions within the city.

Influenza vaccinations will begin on September 8.

Infants aged 6 months to 9 years who are receiving their first vaccination and require two doses can get vaccinated starting September 8, those requiring one dose and pregnant women can get vaccinated from September 22, and those aged 19 and older can receive vaccinations from October 13.

In particular, to increase the vaccination rate among elementary, middle, and high school students who are vulnerable to infections due to group living and to block community transmission, a focused student vaccination period will be operated for three weeks starting September 22.

Since the public health center is complicated due to the continuous operation of COVID-19 screening clinics, it is recommended that only those aged 60 and over use the public health center if possible. Residents of island areas and vulnerable groups eligible for free vaccinations can also receive vaccinations at public health centers, health branches, and health clinics.

A city official said, “Since the COVID-19 situation is severe, influenza, which has both vaccines and treatments, must be thoroughly prevented in advance to avoid confusion. Influenza vaccination shows preventive effects starting two weeks after vaccination and lasts about 3 to 12 months (average 6 months), so please complete vaccination by November if possible.”

From this year, the supported vaccine will be changed from the trivalent vaccine to the quadrivalent vaccine. The quadrivalent vaccine can prevent four types: two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B.

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