Amid Flu Vaccine Concerns... Free Vaccination for Those Aged 62 and Over Starts Today

Authorities: "Most Death Cases Related to Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Issues"
Some Local Governments Resuming Vaccinations After Suspension

On the 26th, when the government resumed free influenza vaccinations for seniors aged 62 to 69, citizens lined up in front of a hospital in Seoul to receive their flu shots. Following the resumption of free vaccinations on September 25 for children under 12 and pregnant women, on October 13 for those aged 13 to 18, and on the 19th for those aged 70 and above, this marks the final age group to have vaccinations restarted. Regarding the recent 48 deaths following flu vaccinations, the government announced on the 23rd that there is no correlation and that vaccinations will continue. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Free influenza (flu) vaccinations for the elderly aged 62 and over began on the 26th. Some local governments that had temporarily suspended vaccinations also resumed them on this day. Experts recommend making reservations to avoid long waits at medical institutions and getting vaccinated when in good health and at ease.

According to health authorities, some local governments such as Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul and Pohang-si in Gyeongbuk, which had temporarily paused flu vaccinations, decided to resume vaccinations as of the previous day. This measure follows the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's announcement that "the association between flu vaccines and deaths is very low."

After reviewing recent death cases with experts, authorities concluded that most deaths were due to other causes such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with almost no possibility of death caused by the vaccine. Since every year, the number of deaths directly caused by the flu ranges from several dozen to several hundred, the objectively proven preventive effects of the flu vaccine are considered far more beneficial.

On the 26th, when the government resumed free influenza vaccinations for seniors aged 62 to 69, citizens lined up in front of a hospital in Seoul to receive their flu shots. After restarting free vaccinations on September 25 for those aged 12 and under and pregnant women, on October 13 for those aged 13 to 18, and on the 19th for those aged 70 and above, this marks the final age group for the resumed vaccinations. Regarding the recent 48 deaths following flu vaccinations, the government announced on the 23rd that there is no correlation and will continue the vaccination program. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The key issue is to prevent a surge of eligible recipients at frontline medical institutions during the first few days of free vaccination. According to the Disease Control Agency, 2.9 million people were vaccinated on the 19th and the following day when free vaccinations for those aged 70 and over began, which is about 1 million more than the same period in previous years. The total number of elderly eligible for free vaccination is 10.65 million, and it is estimated that about half have not yet been vaccinated.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, authorities recommend making reservations to avoid long waits at medical institutions, but this system is still unfamiliar domestically. They also recommend measures such as separating waiting areas for vaccine recipients, but realistically, there are limitations for small-scale clinics and hospitals.

Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "It is common for deaths from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases to increase in winter due to blood vessel constriction or sudden temperature changes. Going to a medical institution early in the morning and waiting a long time or waiting outside in cold weather can affect cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health."

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