Expansion of Free Flu Vaccinations to Prevent the COVID-19 and Flu 'Double Pandemic'

Seoul Gangseo-gu Expands Free Flu Vaccination Eligibility from 6 Months?12 Years to 6 Months?18 Years, and from 65+ to 62+ Years

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) announced that it will expand free flu vaccinations this fall and winter in preparation for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza.

As autumn arrives, concerns are growing about a 'double pandemic,' referring to the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and influenza.

Moreover, COVID-19 and influenza share similar symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and muscle pain, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

Since confusion could increase if COVID-19 and influenza patients are mixed, the district is actively encouraging many residents to receive flu vaccinations.

In particular, this year's free flu vaccination program has expanded the eligible groups from children aged 6 months to 12 years to those aged 6 months to 18 years, and from seniors aged 65 and older to those aged 62 and older.

The supported vaccine has also been changed from the trivalent vaccine, which prevents three types of viruses, to the quadrivalent vaccine, which prevents four types.

The flu vaccination began on the 8th for children under 8 years old who require two doses and who have either received only one flu vaccination or are receiving their first-ever vaccination, and will proceed sequentially by age group.

Children who require only one dose can receive free vaccinations from the 22nd until December 31, and pregnant women from the 22nd until April 30 of next year.

To protect the health of students, who have a high incidence of flu due to group living, high school students will receive concentrated vaccinations from the 22nd to the 29th, middle school students from October 5 to 12, and elementary school students from October 19 to 30.

Seniors aged 75 and older can receive free vaccinations starting October 13, those aged 70 to 74 from October 20, and those aged 62 to 69 from October 27 until December 31.

Additionally, the district will provide free vaccinations from October 27 to November 30 for vulnerable groups, including registered disabled persons aged 13 to 61 with severe disabilities, basic livelihood security recipients aged 50 to 61, and national merit recipients.

Free flu vaccinations can be received at designated medical institutions nationwide regardless of residence. However, vulnerable groups must receive vaccinations at one of the 127 designated medical institutions within the district.

When receiving the free flu vaccination, an ID must be presented. Pregnant women must bring documents verifying pregnancy, such as a maternity handbook, and vulnerable groups must bring welfare cards or similar identification along with their ID.

Designated medical institutions where vaccinations can be received by target groups can be checked on the district website and the Vaccination Helper site. For more details, contact the Gangseo-gu Public Health Center Vaccination Office.

Mayor Noh Hyun-song said, “Vaccination is the most effective and powerful method to prevent infectious diseases,” and urged, “Residents are strongly encouraged to receive flu vaccinations within the designated period to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases.”

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