"Pneumococcal Vaccination for Parents"... Free Once for Those Aged 65 and Over

Pneumococcal Free Vaccination Scene

On the 8th, in celebration of Parents' Day, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged people aged 65 and older to get pneumococcal vaccination. Pneumonia was the third leading cause of death in South Korea in 2021, and invasive pneumococcal disease is particularly fatal for those aged 65 and above. When it progresses to pneumonia accompanied by bacteremia, meningitis, or endocarditis, the fatality rate is known to rise to 60-80%.

For this reason, the KDCA has been implementing the "Senior Pneumococcal National Immunization Support Program" since May 2013, providing the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) free of charge at public health centers nationwide to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease among the elderly.

Those aged 65 and older who have not yet participated in the vaccination can receive the vaccine once for free at designated medical institutions and public health centers nearby. A KDCA official explained, "If you have been vaccinated after turning 65, there is no need for an additional vaccination. If you were vaccinated before 65, you should get vaccinated again five years later when you turn 65 or older."

Ji Young-mi, head of the KDCA, emphasized, "Children should ensure that their parents receive pneumococcal vaccination to help prevent infectious diseases and support a healthy old age."

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