Paju City to Offer Simultaneous Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Older

Sequential Vaccinations by Age Group Begin on October 15

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province announced on October 13 that it will provide free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older starting October 15, in an effort to prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases during the winter and to protect the health of high-risk groups.

Paju City, Poster for Simultaneous COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination for Those Aged 65 and Over. Provided by Paju City

The city began vaccinations for children requiring two doses on September 22, followed by vaccinations for children eligible for a single dose and pregnant women starting September 29. Vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older will begin on October 15.

The COVID-19 vaccination is available for those aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged six months and older, and residents or inpatients of facilities vulnerable to infection. The vaccination period runs from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026.

In particular, seniors aged 65 and older can receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day. The detailed schedule is as follows: those aged 75 and older from October 15, those aged 70 to 74 from October 20, and those aged 65 to 69 from October 22, in sequential order.

Vaccinations are available at designated local medical institutions. Individuals should confirm vaccine availability by phone in advance and bring identification when visiting. The list of designated medical institutions can be found on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's vaccination helper website.

Considering the time required for antibody formation and duration after vaccination, it is most effective to complete vaccinations between October and November, before the winter season when respiratory infectious diseases typically become widespread. Since both COVID-19 and influenza viruses mutate annually, it is recommended to receive new vaccines each year.

Lee Hansang, head of the Paju Public Health Center, stated, "Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the progression of infectious diseases to severe illness. Seniors aged 65 and older can receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, so I encourage everyone to actively participate in vaccinations to prepare for the winter season."

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