Seoul City Offers Free Flu Vaccinations for Homeless and Ssokbang Residents in Partnership with Sanofi and Pasteur

Free Vaccination for 2,700 Homeless and Others... Supporting Safe Winter for Health-Vulnerable Groups

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 9th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will promote free flu vaccinations by linking private resources to help about 2,700 homeless people and residents of jjokbang (small rooms) who are vulnerable to chronic respiratory diseases and other illnesses during the COVID-19 situation have a healthy winter.

Since 2011, Seoul has been conducting flu vaccinations for homeless people and jjokbang residents in collaboration with related organizations for 10 years. This year, free vaccinations will be carried out again in partnership with Sanofi Pasteur.

Despite being involved in infectious disease designated hospitals and screening clinics due to the impact of COVID-19, the Seoul Sharing Medical Volunteer Group took the lead, and Green Hospital & the Korean Doctors for Human Rights also participated.

This flu vaccination will be administered by December 2nd at 41 facilities according to their schedules, targeting homeless people and other housing-vulnerable groups who are not included in this year's national free flu vaccination program.

On-site vaccinations will be conducted from the 9th to the 12th at the Seoul Station free clinic, and on the 16th and 17th for two days at the Yeongdeungpo free clinic. Additionally, Seoul Medical Center manages the donated vaccines and promotes tasks such as organizing the Sharing Medical Volunteer Group and inputting data into the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency system through the public health centers and the main hospital. The free clinics will provide vaccinations to homeless people and jjokbang residents who missed the opportunity until the vaccines run out.

Jung Soo-yong, Director of Welfare Policy at Seoul City, said, “Despite the busy times due to COVID-19 this year, we thank Sanofi Pasteur, the Seoul Sharing Medical Volunteer Group, Green Hospital, the Korean Doctors for Human Rights, and other related organizations who stepped forward for our marginalized neighbors.” He added, “Seoul will continue to make every effort through public-private cooperation to ensure that homeless people and jjokbang residents can spend a healthy and warm winter.”

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