Gwangju Seo-gu Achieves 72% Influenza Vaccination Rate for Those Aged 65 and Over

Published 10 Nov.2021 13:16(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Seo Dae-seok) has achieved a 72% influenza (flu) vaccination rate for seniors aged 65 and over, which has been in effect since the 12th of last month.

According to Seo-gu on the 10th, as of the 5th, out of 44,341 people aged 65 and older, 31,925 have completed the influenza vaccination, showing a high vaccination rate of 72%, compared to the national vaccination rate of 70.8%.

This result comes from proactively distributing notices in advance to senior centers, community welfare centers, and dementia relief centers frequently visited by the elderly, as well as active promotion through the Seo-gu Public Health Center website, KakaoStory and other SNS, and the health center call center.

The number of medical institutions providing influenza vaccinations in Seo-gu initially started with 108 locations, but 49 locations have used up all their vaccines, so currently vaccinations are being administered at 59 commissioned medical institutions.

Seo-gu conducted influenza vaccinations by prior reservation last month to prevent crowding at the start of vaccinations, but from this month until February 28 of next year, vaccinations can be received by visiting medical institutions without prior reservation.

Mayor Seo Dae-seok said, “With the increase in social activities due to the phased return to daily life, the possibility of influenza outbreaks among seniors aged 65 and over, who are vulnerable to infections, is expected to rise,” and added, “We urge seniors who have not yet been vaccinated to promptly complete their influenza vaccination.”