Over 4,300 Essential Workers Including Caregivers, Childcare, and Security Staff Receive Free Flu Vaccinations... Following Support Ordinance Enactment, Free Mask and Flu Vaccination Support Provided... Future Support Expansion Planned After Survey
Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, Participates in the "Thank You Essential Workers" Support Campaign
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Wono) is providing free influenza (flu) vaccinations for ‘essential workers’ who perform critical duties necessary to maintain daily life even during disaster situations.
Earlier, in September, the district designated workers in caregiving, healthcare, and logistics sectors who face risks and perform face-to-face labor during disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic as ‘essential workers,’ and enacted the 'Ordinance on Support and Protection of Essential Workers' to implement support policies for essential workers in the area.
According to the ordinance, the district has formed an Essential Workers Support Committee and is conducting a survey to understand the current status and working conditions of workers to establish a comprehensive support plan. It plans to gradually provide in-kind and service support such as hazard pay, safety equipment, and health management assistance in the public and quasi-public sectors in accordance with social distancing measures.
First, on October 25, the district distributed safety equipment such as KF masks and hand sanitizers to a total of 5,500 people including care workers and security personnel, and is now proceeding with the second phase of support by offering free flu vaccinations.
A district official stated, “This vaccination program was prepared to protect the health of essential workers, who are at high risk due to frequent contact with the public, in preparation for the simultaneous spread of influenza and COVID-19 in the fall, and to respond effectively to COVID-19.”
The vaccinations began on October 22 and will continue until November 30. Approximately 4,300 people, including caregivers, childcare workers, public transportation drivers, and apartment security personnel, are eligible. The vaccinations are being administered at 15 medical institutions within the district. Information on the entrusted medical institutions can be found on the Seongdong-gu website and the public health center website. However, the program may end early if the vaccine supply at medical institutions runs out.
The district advises that when visiting medical institutions, recipients should bring identification to verify eligibility for free vaccination. It is also recommended to check vaccine availability in advance and make an appointment to minimize congestion.
Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “Support policies for essential workers will be carried out by dividing short-term tasks such as this free flu vaccination and long-term efforts like fundamental improvements based on accurate surveys. Since the enactment of the Essential Workers Support Ordinance, there has been a nationwide movement recognizing the need to protect essential workers. We will do our best to actively address any shortcomings and ensure that the hard work of essential workers is properly acknowledged.”
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