Expansion of Cell Culture Influenza Vaccine Eligibility to Mild Allergies and Up to Age 18

Amid the issuance of an "Influenza Epidemic Advisory," on September 21, the first day of free influenza vaccinations for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, a child is receiving a vaccination at a pediatric clinic in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 20th that it will expand the eligibility for influenza cell culture vaccine vaccination to children with mild egg allergies under the age of 18.

Previously, only children aged 6 months to 13 years with severe egg allergies could receive flu vaccinations using cell culture vaccines, but going forward, the eligibility will be expanded to adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years with mild egg allergies.

Flu vaccines are divided into fertilized egg-based vaccines and cell culture vaccines. For those with egg anaphylaxis or severe egg allergies, fertilized egg-based vaccines may cause allergic reactions, so cell culture vaccines are administered.

Cell culture vaccines can currently be administered at public health centers and designated entrusted medical institutions. After checking the designated medical institutions through the Vaccination Helper website, inquire about the availability of vaccination at the respective institution, and bring a doctor's opinion letter, diagnosis certificate, or vaccination referral form when receiving the vaccination.

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