Gochang-gun Expands Influenza Vaccination Program

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk announced on the 14th that it will expand free influenza vaccinations to prevent the simultaneous spread of influenza and COVID-19 infections.

The free vaccination target has been expanded from the existing children aged 6 months to 12 years to those aged 13 to 18 (high school seniors), and the elderly from 65 years and older to those aged 62 and older (born on or before December 31, 1958).

The vaccine has also been switched from the existing trivalent to the quadrivalent vaccine produced with WHO-recommended strains, allowing broader prevention of influenza viruses.

Starting from the 8th, vaccinations began at designated medical institutions for children aged 6 months to under 9 years who require two doses (first dose after birth).

Children requiring one dose, those aged 13 to 18 (middle and high school students), and pregnant women can receive free vaccinations starting on the 22nd; elderly aged 75 and older from the 13th of next month; those aged 70 and older from the 20th of next month; and those aged 62 and older from the 27th of next month at 30 designated medical institutions in the area sequentially.

For the Gochang-gun policy project, free vaccinations for elderly aged 60 to 61 and vulnerable groups will be available from the 27th of next month, and paid vaccinations for the general public will be available from November 3 at health centers, health clinics, and Sangha Health Clinics from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The paid vaccination fee is 9,000 KRW.

This influenza vaccination limits the number of vaccinations per physician to 100 per day to prevent congestion at the beginning of the program and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Vaccinations will be distributed by age and period, so it is important to check in advance and visit on the designated vaccination day.

A Gochang-gun official said, “In a situation where COVID-19 infections with unknown transmission routes are spreading nationwide, simultaneous outbreaks with influenza could seriously affect health, so it is essential to get vaccinated.”

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