Domestic Childhood Vaccination Rate at 97%... Higher Than Overseas

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the childhood vaccination rate in South Korea has been shown to remain at a level higher than that of overseas countries.

On the 27th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the national vaccination rates for children aged 2 during a commemorative event held in celebration of the '2023 World Immunization Week (April 24-30).'

According to the KDCA, as of 2021, the average childhood vaccination rate in South Korea was 97.0%, higher than that of the United States (86.6%), Australia (94.8%), and the United Kingdom (92.2%).

Since 2014, the government has been providing full free support for national immunizations and has been expanding the target vaccines and eligible recipients every year. Starting from March this year, rotavirus vaccination, which causes acute diarrhea in infants and young children, has been included.

The KDCA supports 18 types of vaccinations for children up to 12 years old through the national immunization program, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for those aged 65 and older, and influenza vaccinations for pregnant women and adolescents.

At the commemorative event, about 520 people including children and their guardians, who are the key policy targets of the vaccination program, were invited to share a time of solidarity between the public and the government through a national immunization support performance. Awards were also presented to those who have dedicated themselves to the national immunization program. A total of 23 institutions, including Bupyeong-gu Public Health Center in Incheon, received commendations from the Minister of Health and Welfare, and 71 public officials and civilians who have provided health and medical services to local residents at public health centers were awarded commendations from the KDCA Director.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the KDCA, said, "Thanks to the parents who have diligently ensured vaccinations even during the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea maintains a high childhood vaccination rate," and added, "We sincerely appreciate the interest and participation of parents."

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