Gwanak-gu, Free Influenza (Flu) Vaccinations for Vulnerable Groups and High-Risk Occupations

Free Vaccinations Provided to 5,297 People Including 2,890 High-Risk Workers and 2,407 Vulnerable Groups... Outsourced to Private Medical Institutions to Improve Access, Check on Public Health Center Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) is conducting free influenza (flu) vaccinations for vulnerable groups and high-risk occupational groups to prepare for the ‘twindemic’ of simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza.

There are 76 designated medical institutions for free influenza vaccinations for vulnerable groups and high-risk occupational groups, available from October 22 to November 30. The designated medical institutions can be checked on the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center website.

The district recommends visiting designated medical institutions to receive vaccinations by November, before the peak influenza season, considering the influenza epidemic period and that preventive effects such as antibody production appear two weeks after vaccination.

The free vaccination targets for vulnerable groups include national merit recipients (themselves) aged 50 to 61 (born between January 1, 1959, and December 31, 1970), severely disabled persons excluding those receiving disability pensions or allowances, and residents of social welfare living facilities aged 19 to 61 (born between January 1, 1959, and December 31, 2001).

Additionally, the free vaccination targets for high-risk occupational groups include public service workers with frequent public contact and occupations with high exposure to external environments, aged 19 to 61, working at workplaces located in Gwanak-gu.

Specifically, this includes childcare teachers, public transportation drivers, sanitation workers, security personnel in apartment complexes, workers at community child centers, postpartum care centers, postpartum newborn care providers, and residents of social welfare facilities.

Influenza vaccinations are entrusted to private medical institutions for the convenience of residents’ access. Individuals can receive free vaccinations at designated medical institutions by bringing identification cards, national merit certificates, welfare cards, etc.

The designated medical institutions can be checked on the Gwanak-gu Public Health Center website (Vaccination → Influenza Vaccination).

Furthermore, the district advised confirming vaccine stock in advance before visiting designated medical institutions, consulting with a physician if there are chronic diseases, and staying at the vaccination site for 15 to 30 minutes after vaccination to observe any adverse reactions before going home.

Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “We expect that free vaccinations for vulnerable groups and high-risk occupational groups will help prevent influenza infections during the winter season,” and added, “Please be sure to get vaccinated within the designated period to prepare for the twindemic.”