Free Flu Vaccinations for Children Starting from the 21st... Free Vaccinations for Those Aged 75 and Over from October 12th

KDCA Issues Influenza Epidemic Alert

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 19th that it will conduct the '2022-2023 Seasonal Influenza National Vaccination' from the 21st of this month until April 30th of next year.

Influenza (flu) did not spread during the past two years when COVID-19 was rampant, but this year, suspected cases have increased since late summer, leading to the issuance of an epidemic advisory on the 16th. Due to the decline in natural immunity among the general public during the period when influenza did not spread, there is a high possibility of influenza spreading between this fall and winter when social distancing measures have been eased.

Accordingly, the health authorities urged children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza infection, to receive vaccinations more actively.

The target groups for this season's national influenza vaccination are children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older. Starting on the 21st, children who require two doses (6 months to under 9 years old receiving their first-ever vaccination) will begin vaccination, followed by children who require one dose (6 months to 13 years old) and pregnant women from the 5th of next month, and seniors aged 75 and older from the 12th, with vaccinations administered sequentially by age group.

The KDCA explained, "The vaccination start dates were separated by age to prevent early-stage congestion and potential safety accidents. Children who require two doses will begin first to complete vaccination before the epidemic."

National influenza vaccinations are administered at designated local clinics and hospitals (designated medical institutions) or public health centers, and are available free of charge nationwide regardless of the recipient's address. There are about 20,000 designated medical institutions nationwide, and nearby institutions can be found on the Vaccination Helper website.

To verify vaccination eligibility and prevent incorrect vaccinations, visitors must bring identification when visiting vaccination sites. Children can present a resident registration certificate and National Health Insurance card, while pregnant women can verify identity with a maternity handbook.

Among children eligible for national vaccination, those with egg anaphylaxis or severe egg allergy can receive cell-cultured influenza vaccines at designated public health centers and medical institutions in each city and province starting October 5th. These children should bring a doctor's note, diagnosis, or vaccination referral form and confirm vaccination availability with the designated institution before visiting.

The influenza vaccine used is a quadrivalent vaccine containing all strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The KDCA has signed a procurement contract for 10.66 million doses and will supply them sequentially to medical institutions before the vaccination period for each target group. Additionally, 300,000 doses have been secured separately to prepare for vaccine shortages.

This year, about 25.7 million doses of influenza vaccine are expected to be supplied in Korea after national release approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Even those not eligible for the national vaccination program can receive paid vaccinations at medical institutions. Furthermore, COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered simultaneously, though local reactions may increase slightly, so vaccinations are recommended in opposite arms.

Baek Kyung-ran, Commissioner of the KDCA, emphasized, "Since influenza has started spreading again after two years, influenza vaccination is more important than ever this year. Please do not forget to get vaccinated before the epidemic fully begins."