Andong-si Secures Flu Vaccines in Advance for All Citizens... 'Nation's First'

Free Vaccination for Those Aged 61 and Under Starting on the 22nd, Separate Notice for Older Ages in October
Excluding Free Vaccination, Ages 19-61 Only Pay Medical Fees
60 Medical Institutions Conduct Simultaneous Vaccinations... Medical Associatio

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Andong City in Gyeongbuk announced on the 11th that it will provide influenza (flu) vaccinations to all citizens in preparation for a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic.

Earlier, on August 31, the city signed a joint response promotion agreement with the Andong Medical Association for infectious disease prevention and management. This was based on the Medical Association’s advice that COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms, which could cause confusion in securing hospital beds and the medical quarantine system if both spread simultaneously.

After several consultations with the Medical Association, Andong City concluded that flu vaccination for all citizens is necessary and supplied vaccine quantities sufficient for all citizens to 60 medical institutions within the city. The vaccination schedule is divided based on the age of 61. Those under 61 will be vaccinated starting from the 22nd, while those aged 62 and above will be vaccinated according to a separate plan in October.

Vaccination candidates aged 19 to 61 must present an ID that verifies their status as Andong citizens and a resident registration certificate issued within the last three days, and pay a vaccination administration fee of 19,010 KRW at designated medical institutions in the city to receive the vaccine. The city will cover the remaining vaccine costs.

Individual vaccinations will be conducted on specific days based on the last digit of the birth year, similar to the mask 5-day rotation system, after pre-filling the vaccination preliminary examination form available at the Eup, Myeon, Dong administrative welfare centers and health clinics. Children, adolescents, and pregnant women who are eligible for national mandatory vaccinations and require only one influenza vaccine dose will begin free vaccinations at designated medical institutions starting from the 22nd.

Andong City explained that this vaccination program was made possible by proactively securing additional vaccine supplies for citizens aged 19 to 61, who were excluded from the government’s free influenza vaccination target expansion. The Andong City Council also supported this by enacting related ordinances and securing the budget.

Mayor Kwon Young-se of Andong said, "There is a concern that simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and the flu could threaten citizens’ health and safety due to confusion in the quarantine system. Through cooperation with the City Council and the Medical Association, we have decided to vaccinate all citizens against the flu," emphasizing the importance of citizens adhering to basic quarantine rules.

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