Daedong Hospital to Offer Free Flu Vaccinations for Seniors Starting on the 11th

Daedong Hospital (Director Lee Gwangjae) has been selected as a designated medical institution for the 2024-2025 National Influenza Vaccination Program and will begin offering free influenza (flu) vaccinations for seniors starting from October 11.

Vaccination. [Image source=ClipartKorea]

To prepare for the winter influenza season, the government provides free annual vaccinations using the quadrivalent vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children, who are at greater risk of severe complications if infected.

Children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2011, and August 31, 2024) and pregnant women began receiving vaccinations on September 20 and October 2, respectively. For seniors, vaccinations will be administered sequentially by age group: ▲75 years and older (born before December 31, 1949) from October 11, ▲70-74 years (born between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1954) from October 15, and ▲65-69 years (born between January 1, 1955, and December 31, 1959) from October 18. The program will conclude on April 30, 2025.

To prevent overcrowding and ensure safety at the start of the vaccination period, the starting dates are staggered by age group. Individuals should check their eligibility date, bring identification, and can receive the vaccination at any nearby public health center or designated medical institution, regardless of their registered address.

Hwang Hyerim, Director of the Comprehensive Health Checkup Center at Daedong Hospital (specialist in family medicine), stated, "Vaccination reduces the risk of infection with the influenza virus and helps protect high-risk groups such as seniors, pregnant women, and children from complications like pneumonia caused by influenza. As more people get vaccinated, overall immunity increases, which helps reduce the spread of the flu. Therefore, vaccination before the outbreak is recommended to protect not only individuals but also the health of the entire community."

In the Northern Hemisphere, flu season typically runs from November to April, with the highest incidence between December and February. While the timing and severity of outbreaks may vary each year, considering the two-week period needed for antibody development, it is recommended to get vaccinated in October. Even those who are not eligible for the national vaccination program should consider paid vaccination to protect their own and their family's health.

Since vaccination involves introducing the predicted prevalent virus into the body to stimulate the production of protective antibodies, it is best to get vaccinated on a day when you are in good health. If you have any symptoms or underlying conditions during the pre-vaccination screening, be sure to inform the medical staff. After vaccination, remain at the medical institution for about 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions.

It is advisable to rest on the day of vaccination. Mild symptoms such as pain or swelling at the injection site, fever, or muscle aches may occur, but these usually improve within 1-2 days. However, if you experience severe or persistent symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or hives, seek medical attention immediately.

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