Yangsan-si, Intensive Promotion of Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccinations in Winter

"Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations Are Best Scheduled for November"

Yangsan City, Gyeongnam Province, has been expanding free influenza vaccinations since September 20, 2024, starting with children (aged 6 months to 13 years), and now including pregnant women and seniors (65 years and older) in preparation for the 2024-2025 influenza season.

In particular, seniors are encouraged to get vaccinated promptly, as simultaneous COVID-19 vaccination is also available for them.

Additionally, the scope of COVID-19 vaccinations has been expanded from the previous target groups of seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities to include healthcare workers and staff at infection-vulnerable facilities.

As of November 12, 2024, the influenza vaccination status in Yangsan City shows that 20,513 children (52.6%), 894 pregnant women (49.2%), and 46,164 seniors (71.7%) have been vaccinated. For COVID-19 vaccinations, 27,320 seniors (42.4%) have completed their shots. However, due to higher-than-average temperatures compared to previous years, the influenza vaccination rate is currently below the usual level for this time of year.

Accordingly, the city considers it most appropriate to complete vaccinations by November, taking into account that it takes more than two weeks to develop immunity after vaccination, the influenza season (December to April of the following year), and the vaccine's effective duration (about six months). To maximize vaccination completion rates by November, the city has actively promoted vaccinations through various media and materials for community leaders and local meetings.

A representative from the Yangsan City Public Health Center urged, “Citizens who have not yet received influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated promptly in November to help form herd immunity, prevent complications, and maintain health during the winter season.”

Yangsan City Hall.

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