Yangcheon-gu "Free Shingles Vaccination for 4,000 People"... Vulnerable Groups Aged 65 and Over

From the 2nd Until Vaccine Supplies Last for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients

Yangcheon-gu is conducting free shingles vaccinations for vulnerable groups for the first time this year. Provided by Yangcheon-gu.

Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Gi-jae) will provide free shingles vaccinations starting from the 2nd for approximately 4,000 basic livelihood security recipients aged 65 and older.

The vaccination targets are senior citizens aged 65 or older (born on or before December 31, 1959) who have been residents of Yangcheon-gu for more than one year and are recipients of basic livelihood security benefits. However, those who have previously had shingles can receive the vaccination after recovery (6 to 12 months), and individuals with a history of prior vaccination or those with contraindications such as immunocompromised status are excluded.

The free vaccination will be available from the 2nd until the vaccine supply is exhausted. Recipients should bring their ID card, certificate of livelihood security recipient status, and resident registration abstract, and visit one of the 102 designated medical institutions within the district that participate in the shingles vaccination program. Information on the designated medical institutions can be found on the Yangcheon-gu Public Health Center website.

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella virus, which lies dormant in the body and can cause pain, rash, and nerve necrosis when immune function declines. Although the incidence rate is higher among the elderly compared to younger age groups, many have delayed or forgone vaccination due to the high cost. In response, the district enacted the "Yangcheon-gu Shingles Vaccination Support Ordinance" at the end of last year and secured a budget to provide free vaccinations for vulnerable groups starting this year.

Mayor Lee Gi-jae stated, “Shingles vaccination can reduce the incidence rate by nearly half and prevent complications, so we encourage many to participate in this free vaccination program.” He added, “We will continue to implement various support measures to improve residents’ health and reduce medical expenses for vulnerable groups.”

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