Paju City Offers Three Free Winter Vaccines for Seniors Aged 65 and Older

Paju City Urges Seniors to Get Vaccinated Against Influenza, COVID-19, and Pneumococcal Disease

Paju City in Gyeonggi Province has issued a notice to adults aged 65 and older regarding three types of vaccinations-influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines-to prepare for the spread of respiratory infections during the winter season, and has encouraged participation in the vaccination program.

Notice for Three Vaccinations: Influenza, COVID-19, and Pneumococcal Vaccines. Provided by Paju City

Adults aged 65 and older (those born on or before December 31, 1960) are eligible to receive all three vaccines free of charge. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to target currently circulating viruses and are effective in preventing infections that may lead to severe illness or hospitalization. As it takes about two to four weeks for antibodies to form, early vaccination is recommended to prepare for the potential spread of respiratory infections in winter. This season’s vaccination program will run until April 30 of next year, and both vaccines can be administered on the same day during a single visit to a medical facility.

The pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round, with one dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) provided free of charge. The target group is adults aged 65 and older who have never received a free pneumococcal vaccination since turning 65. A single dose of the pneumococcal vaccine can prevent invasive pneumococcal disease by approximately 50 to 80 percent, so additional doses are not necessary. There is also no required interval between the pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza or COVID-19 vaccines, making simultaneous administration possible.

All three vaccines are available at designated hospitals and clinics, while the pneumococcal vaccine can also be administered at public health centers, health sub-centers, and clinics. However, before visiting, individuals should call the medical facility or public health center to confirm vaccine availability and must bring a valid ID. The list of designated medical institutions can be found at public health centers or on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Immunization Helper website.

Lee Hansang, Director of Paju Public Health Center, stated, “For adults aged 65 and older, influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccinations are the most important preventive measures to reduce the risk of severe illness from respiratory infections during the winter season. I strongly encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to receive all three vaccines and have a healthy winter.”

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