Dongdaemun-gu Expands Eligibility for Free Influenza Vaccination Support

Expansion of Vaccination Support Targets for Simultaneous Influenza and COVID-19 Outbreaks...120,000 District Residents Eligible...Vaccinations Begin from the 8th, Targeting Children, Seniors, Pregnant Women, Vulnerable Groups, and High-Risk Occupations to Enhance Immunity and Health

Influenza Vaccination

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] COVID-19 and influenza share similar symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and muscle pain, raising concerns that if both diseases spread simultaneously this fall, distinguishing patients could incur significant social costs and time. As a result, demand for influenza vaccinations is expected to increase more than in previous years.

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) announced on the 8th that it will expand the support targets for influenza vaccinations to include children, pregnant women, seniors aged 62 and above, and vulnerable groups in preparation for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza.

Last year, the district’s influenza vaccination targets included children aged 12 and under, seniors aged 65 and above, and pregnant women, totaling 91,117 people. However, starting this year, the support target has been expanded to include children aged 13, and temporarily extended to those aged 14 to 18 and seniors aged 62 to 64.

This represents an increase of 28,971 people, about 31% more than last year, bringing the total number of residents eligible for free vaccinations this year to 120,088, approximately 35% of the district’s population.

To ensure safe vaccinations while adhering to social distancing, the district is conducting staggered vaccinations by target group. Advance reservations are also available through the Disease Control Headquarters’ Vaccination Helper website and app.

For children requiring two doses (aged 6 months to under 9 years), vaccinations began on the 8th of this month and will continue until April 30 of next year. For children requiring one dose (aged 9 to 18), vaccinations will be available from the 22nd of this month until December 31 of this year.

For seniors, those aged 75 and above (born on or before December 31, 1945) can start vaccinations on the 13th of next month; those aged 70 to 74 (born between January 1, 1946, and December 31, 1950) from the 20th; and those aged 62 to 69 (born between January 1, 1951, and December 31, 1958) from the 27th. Vaccinations for seniors will be available until December 31 of this year.

Pregnant women must bring proof of pregnancy, such as a pregnancy confirmation certificate, and can receive vaccinations from the 22nd of this month until April 30 of next year.

Starting from the 27th of next month, the district will also provide vaccinations for vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood security recipients aged 19 to 61, people with severe disabilities (grades 1 to 3), and national merit recipients, supporting the reduction of medical expenses for these groups.

Meanwhile, the district is temporarily providing influenza vaccinations this year for high-risk occupational groups with frequent public contact and exposure to external environments. This includes healthcare workers, childcare facility staff, public transportation drivers, postpartum care center workers and maternal-newborn health managers, sanitation workers, and security personnel in apartment complexes.

Influenza vaccination recipients can visit any nearby designated medical institution (209 designated medical institutions within the district) regardless of their registered address.

Detailed schedules and information on designated medical institutions related to vaccinations can be found by contacting the Seoul 120 Dasan Call Center or visiting the Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center website under Information Plaza → Public Health Center News → Notices.

The district plans to conduct guidance and inspections of designated medical institutions to ensure a safe vaccination environment by checking vaccine refrigerator conditions, the use of computerized registration systems, and the availability of medical questionnaires and informational materials.

Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “Since influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, simultaneous outbreaks could cause confusion in the quarantine system, making vaccination essential. With the expanded support targets this year, we hope residents will visit nearby designated medical institutions to conveniently receive free vaccinations.”

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