Gwangjin-gu Offers Free Pneumococcal Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

One-time vaccination for seniors aged 65 and over (born before December 31, 1957)... Available at 112 designated medical institutions in the region

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is conducting a 'free pneumococcal vaccination' for seniors aged 65 and older.

Invasive pneumococcal infections caused by pneumococcus (such as pneumonia with bacteremia, meningitis, etc.) can be life-threatening, with a mortality rate of 60% for bacteremia and 80% for meningitis.

Receiving the pneumococcal vaccine once in a lifetime for those aged 65 and older can prevent serious complications by 50-80%, and it also helps prevent complications from COVID-19 infections.

The target group is seniors aged 65 and older (born on or before December 31, 1957). If vaccinated before age 65, an additional vaccination is recommended after 5 years when reaching age 65 or older.

The vaccination is free of charge. Bring an ID and visit one of the 112 designated medical institutions in the area to receive the vaccination.

The designated medical institutions can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website and the Gwangjin-gu Office homepage. Be sure to confirm vaccination availability before visiting the medical institution.

Additionally, for immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic diseases, paid pneumococcal 13-valent vaccination is recommended after consultation with a medical institution, and a 1-year interval is required between the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccination and this vaccination.

For further inquiries, contact the Gwangjin-gu Public Health Center Vaccination Office.

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, “Pneumococcal vaccination can effectively prevent complications from pneumococcal infections with just one lifetime vaccination for those aged 65 and older,” and added, “Since it also helps prevent complications from COVID-19 infections, we strongly encourage active vaccination.”

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