Daedong Hospital Conducts Free National Flu Vaccinations for Seniors in 2022-2023 Season

Sequential Implementation from Age 75 to 65 Starting on the 12th

Flu. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Daedong Hospital has been selected as a medical institution for the 2022?2023 national influenza vaccination program and will begin providing free national flu vaccinations starting October 12 for seniors aged 75 and older.

The vaccination period runs from October 12 to December 31, with differences according to age groups.

Those aged 75 and older can receive vaccinations starting October 12, those aged 70?74 from October 17, and those aged 65?69 from October 20.

Eligible individuals can visit public health centers or designated vaccination medical institutions nationwide during the specified period, regardless of their registered address, to receive the quadrivalent influenza vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) free of charge.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus, with major symptoms including fever, headache, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, and runny nose.

Because severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death, the government designates seniors aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children as high-risk groups and conducts a free national influenza vaccination program.

Dr. Eunhee Shim, head of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Daedong Hospital, stated, “Due to COVID-19, social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene have been strictly followed over the past three years, which prevented the spread of influenza and consequently reduced natural immunity.” She advised, “Since the possibility of an influenza outbreak is expected to be high this year, it is recommended that eligible individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

She emphasized, “Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to form, it is most effective to get vaccinated promptly between October and November, before the full onset of winter.”

To prevent the flu, measures include ▲getting vaccinated ▲hand hygiene ▲wearing masks ▲practicing proper cough etiquette ▲avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands ▲and seeking medical care if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, which are similar to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Recently, with the easing of quarantine guidelines, the outdoor mask mandate has been lifted, and as COVID-19 cases decrease, gatherings and travel have increased, raising the likelihood of flu outbreaks.

Since droplets are naturally more prevalent in crowded places, it is advisable to wear masks outdoors during ▲influenza epidemic periods ▲if you are elderly or have underlying conditions and belong to high-risk groups ▲if you have close contact with high-risk individuals ▲or if you have suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza.

Additionally, if symptoms appear, be sure to visit a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment.

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