COVID-19 and Influenza Simultaneous Vaccination Recommended... Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok Vaccinated on First Day

COVID-19 Vaccination Begins for 65+ and Immunocompromised from 19th, Simultaneous Flu Vaccination Recommended

Mayor Lee Visits Pohang St. Mary's Hospital on First Day of COVID-19 Vaccination, Simultaneous Influenza Vaccination

The 2023-24 seasonal COVID-19 vaccination began on the 19th.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok of Pohang visited Pohang St. Mary's Hospital on the same day to receive simultaneous vaccinations for COVID-19 and influenza and encouraged the staff involved.

On the 19th, Lee Gang-deok, Mayor of Pohang, visited Pohang St. Mary's Hospital and received an explanation about COVID-19 vaccination from Kang Jae-myung, Head of Pohang Infectious Disease Response Headquarters.

COVID-19 vaccinations will first be administered to priority groups, including those aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 64, and members of infection-vulnerable facilities. Other citizens can receive vaccinations starting November 1.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, ongoing studies have continuously confirmed the safety and efficacy of simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Major countries abroad, including the United States, also recommend simultaneous vaccination. Therefore, to increase vaccination rates, simultaneous administration of the influenza vaccine is 'recommended' during the 2023-2024 seasonal COVID-19 vaccination.

The COVID-19 vaccine used for this vaccination is a monovalent vaccine targeting the XBB.1.5 variant, which is currently prevalent. As of the fifth week of August, the detection rate of the XBB lineage in Korea reached 98.7%.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok stated, "Based on research results and overseas cases, the safety of simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza vaccination has been thoroughly reviewed and is recommended. This new vaccine is a tailored vaccine for the currently circulating variant virus, so we ask that priority groups vulnerable to infection actively participate in this vaccination to build immunity and alleviate symptoms."

Citizens aged 12 and older who are not in high-risk groups can receive the vaccine starting November 1. Regardless of the type or number of previous vaccines received, vaccination will be completed with a single dose. However, if a COVID-19 vaccination was recently administered, the next dose can be given at least three months (90 days) later.

For detailed inquiries regarding vaccination, please contact the Nam-gu or Buk-gu Public Health Centers.

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