'Influenza Cases Surge'... Gyeonggi-do Urges "High-Risk Groups to Get Free Vaccinations"

Gyeonggi Province urged the completion of influenza vaccinations as the number of influenza patients nationwide reached the highest level since 2016.

According to the status of influenza vaccinations in the province registered in the Integrated Disease and Health Management System for this season, the vaccination rate is 79.5% for those aged 65 and over, and 68.6% for children (first-time recipients), which is about 2 percentage points lower compared to the same period last year when the rates were 81.8% for those aged 65 and over and 70.1% for children (first-time recipients).

Gyeonggi Province added that the influenza virus currently circulating is similar to the virus used in this season’s vaccine production, so sufficient preventive effects can be expected through vaccination.

Influenza and COVID-19 Simultaneous Vaccination Information Poster. Provided by Gyeonggi-do

The national influenza vaccination program period runs until April 30, and those who have not yet completed vaccination can receive it at designated medical institutions nationwide regardless of their place of residence. Nearby designated institutions can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr).

Ko Gwang-pil, head of the Gyeonggi Infectious Disease Control Support Group, said, "As an influenza outbreak advisory has been issued due to the recent surge in influenza patients, we strongly urge children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and over to receive the free influenza vaccination." He added, "We hope everyone has a healthy winter by practicing respiratory infection prevention measures such as hand washing, cough etiquette, wearing masks, and indoor ventilation."

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