Seongdong-gu Provides Free Flu Vaccinations to 139 Welfare Workers Including Care Managers

Free Flu and Other Vaccinations for Visiting Community Welfare Workers... Safety Equipment Support and Ansim App Installation for Visiting Staff Safety Measures

Care Managers Visiting Vulnerable Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Seongdong-gu (District Mayor Jeong Won-oh) will provide free vaccinations for influenza, hepatitis A, and adult TdaP to a total of 139 visiting personnel of the “Visiting Community Service Center” (hereafter “Chatdong”)?including care managers, village nurses, and welfare officers?starting from mid-September.

Although many administrative services have shifted to non-face-to-face formats due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), welfare services inherently require unavoidable contact with vulnerable households and residents in crisis.

Accordingly, the district will conduct free vaccinations against major diseases, including influenza, to protect these individuals from infection and to prevent the spread of infection to those they counsel and come into contact with.

Until last year, only adult TdaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccinations were provided free of charge, but this year the scope has been expanded to include influenza and hepatitis A vaccinations. Since influenza and COVID-19 share similar transmission routes and symptoms, prompt measures have been taken recognizing the necessity of preemptive prevention through vaccination.

The target group consists of 139 visiting personnel, including welfare planners, care managers, village nurses, and Hyo Sarang nurses from 17 community service centers. After receiving vaccinations individually at designated hospitals per district, they can apply for reimbursement of vaccination costs at their respective community service centers.

In addition, the district implements various support measures to ensure the safety of Chatdong workers. Safety equipment such as smartwatches and emergency call devices for use in emergencies during visits, as well as personal safety sprays, are provided to enable consultations with high-risk individuals such as ex-offenders and those with mental illnesses. Educational videos on basic principles of visit safety and crisis response methods have also been produced and distributed.

Since last year, all visiting personnel have installed the “Ansim-i App,” enabling real-time monitoring through CCTV and an integrated control center, thereby enhancing workers’ ability to respond to crisis situations.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “Concerns are growing over the ‘Twindemic’ of simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza. We will make every effort not only to provide this vaccination but also to explore various support measures and plans to ensure a safe environment for vulnerable groups and welfare service workers who must pay special attention to their health.”

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