Damyang-gun Intensifies Free Pneumococcal Vaccination Campaign

Vaccinations Available for Those Aged 65 and Over at Private Medical Institutions Too

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 4th that it will support free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older.

Invasive infections caused by pneumococcus are fatal to elderly people aged 65 and older with weakened immune systems, and if pneumococcal infections progress to bacteremia or meningitis, the fatality rate increases to 60-80%.

The county will focus on vaccinations in August and September before the full-scale influenza vaccination starting in October to protect the health of high-risk groups aged 65 and older and to prevent severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19. Seniors who have completed COVID-19 vaccinations can receive the pneumococcal vaccine at any time.

The pneumococcal vaccination target group is those aged 65 and older who have never received the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). They can receive the vaccine for free by bringing their ID and visiting the nearest public health center or designated medical institutions within the county.

After vaccination, recipients should stay at the vaccination site for 15 to 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions. On the day of vaccination, alcohol consumption, excessive exercise, and showering are prohibited, and recipients should rest for at least half a day.

A county official stated, “With the prolonged COVID-19 situation, vaccination for high-risk elderly people is urgent,” and urged, “For safe vaccination, please make an appointment in advance to set your visit time before visiting health centers or hospitals, and be sure to wear a mask when you visit.”

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