Free Flu Vaccinations Start from the 21st... Health Authorities Say "No Risk in Simultaneous COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations"

"Vaccination Possible on Both Arms on the Same Day"

On April 25, when the 4th COVID-19 booster vaccination for those aged 60 and over who made advance reservations began, a citizen is receiving the vaccine at Bumin Hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Starting tomorrow (the 21st), free influenza (flu) vaccinations will be administered sequentially, and health authorities have confirmed that there is "no risk" associated with simultaneous administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine.

On the 20th, Kwon Geun-yong, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Team’s Vaccination Management Division, stated at a briefing, "Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international recommendations, as well as monitoring results of adverse reactions both overseas and domestically, it has been confirmed that there is no risk in simultaneous vaccination," adding, "It is also possible to receive the vaccines in each arm on the same day."

Kwon explained, "Last year, there were people who received both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously," and "the rate of adverse reaction reports was lower than in cases where only the COVID-19 vaccine was administered." He further added, "There were no cases where causality of adverse reactions was recognized, and most were mild, so no risk related to simultaneous vaccination has been confirmed."

Kwon also noted that local adverse reactions may occur after influenza vaccination, but symptoms usually disappear within 2 to 3 days. He explained, "Local adverse reactions include pain and redness, and systemic symptoms include fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever," but "most are known to resolve within 2 to 3 days."

Additionally, Kwon stated, "This year, a flu outbreak advisory has been issued before the start of vaccinations," and "although the vaccination rate is expected to be higher than last season, it is believed that the scheduled supply volume will be sufficient to meet the overall vaccination demand."

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the 2022-2023 seasonal flu national vaccination program will be conducted from the 21st through April 30 of next year. The national vaccination targets include children aged 6 months to under 13 years, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and older, who can receive free flu vaccinations. Starting on the 21st, children aged 6 months to under 9 years who require two doses will begin vaccination, and from the 5th of next month, vaccinations will start for children aged 6 months to under 13 years and pregnant women who require one dose.

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