Suncheon City Expands Free Flu Vaccinations for Proactive COVID-19 Response

Free Vaccination Expanded for Ages 50 to 61, Priority Groups Receive Full Free Vaccination

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City (Mayor Heo Seok) will expand free flu vaccinations starting from the 8th at designated medical institutions, beginning with vaccinations for children (infants), in preparation for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza during the prolonged pandemic in the fall and winter seasons.

Last year, flu vaccinations targeted children aged 6 months to 12 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older, but this year the program has been expanded to include children from 6 months to 18 years old, pregnant women, vulnerable groups, and those aged 50 and above.

Suncheon City anticipates that the similar symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza this winter could cause social disruption such as the collapse of the medical system if both spread simultaneously. Therefore, as a proactive measure, the city has decided to expand free vaccinations independently for those aged 50 to 61, who are recommended for priority vaccination.

With this expansion, approximately 143,000 people will receive free vaccinations, an increase of about 87,000 compared to the previous year, benefiting 50.7% of the entire population.

The flu vaccination schedule is as follows: ▶ From the 8th, children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have never been vaccinated or have only received one flu shot, ▶ From the 22nd, those aged 18 and under and pregnant women, ▶ From the 13th of next month, those aged 75 and older, ▶ From the 20th of next month, those aged 70 to 74, ▶ From the 27th of next month, those aged 62 to 69, ▶ From the 28th of next month, the additionally expanded group aged 50 to 61.

Additionally, paid flu vaccinations at public health centers will be available for 15,000 citizens aged 19 to 49 from the 28th of next month to November 10, over a period of 10 days.

To prevent congestion and infectious diseases, a ‘5-day rotation system based on birth year’ similar to recent mask purchase methods will be implemented for paid vaccinations.

Those whose birth year ends in 1 or 6 will be vaccinated on Monday, 2 or 7 on Tuesday, 3 or 8 on Wednesday, 4 or 9 on Thursday, and 5 or 0 on Friday. The vaccination fee is 10,000 KRW, and public health center vaccinations may be suspended depending on the COVID-19 situation, so prior inquiry is required before visiting.

This year, to prevent COVID-19 infection, the vaccination period is segmented, which may cause confusion. Therefore, it is essential to check the vaccination schedule by age and make a reservation at a nearby medical institution before visiting for vaccination.

A Suncheon City public health official stated, “Given the difficult times due to COVID-19, we ask that vaccinations be received by the end of November if possible,” and requested, “When visiting medical institutions, please strictly adhere to quarantine rules such as wearing masks, washing hands, and practicing social distancing.”

Vaccination information can be found on the Suncheon City website and the Vaccination Helper site. For further details, inquiries can be made to the Suncheon City Public Health Center Vaccination Office for consultation.

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