Vaccination for Second Dose Recipients Begins on the 21st, First Dose Recipients Start on October 5
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Daedong Hospital has been designated as a commissioned medical institution for the 2022?2023 influenza national vaccination support project and will begin providing free national flu vaccinations for children starting from the 21st.
The influenza national vaccination support project, which was implemented only for low-income seniors aged 65 and older since 1997, was expanded in 2002 to include all elderly people aged 65 and above.
In 2015, the project was converted into a private consignment project, allowing individual medical institutions to provide free vaccinations, and the support target was expanded to include children.
Currently, the free national influenza vaccination support project for children targets those from 6 months old to 13 years old, and the influenza quadrivalent vaccine produced with strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) this year is applicable.
For children aged 6 months to under 9 years receiving the influenza vaccination for the first time in their life, a second dose is required 4 weeks after the first dose. Those who require two doses will begin vaccination from September 21, and those who require only one dose can receive vaccination starting October 5.
Detailed vaccination schedules and the number of doses should be decided after consultation with the examining physician, and the free national influenza vaccination project for children will continue until April 30, 2023.
Kim Cheol-am, head of the Pediatrics Department at Daedong Hospital, advised, “In the past two years, due to social distancing and reduced human contact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no influenza epidemic alert issued. However, this year, after three years, a nationwide flu advisory has been issued. With relaxed social distancing, expanded school attendance, and increased private gatherings, there is a high possibility of simultaneous outbreaks of influenza and COVID-19. Therefore, it is recommended to get the flu vaccination as early as possible.”
Influenza, which occurs every winter, is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus and is known worldwide as a common cause of hospital visits or admissions among children.
According to the National Health Insurance Service’s disease statistics of public interest, among the total 2,315,434 influenza patients in 2019, the highest numbers were observed in the 0?9 age group (male 396,526, female 388,665) and the 10?19 age group (male 301,738, female 276,465), who frequently engage in group activities compared to other age groups.
Healthy children also face risks of influenza complications, but especially children from low-income families with underlying conditions or limited access to medical facilities have higher risks of complications, neurological sequelae, and death from influenza. Therefore, prevention through influenza vaccination is recommended.
Dr. Kim stated, “The influenza vaccine does not completely prevent flu infection but is effective in alleviating symptoms and reducing hospitalization rates, complications, and mortality risks. Since it takes about two weeks for antibodies to form after vaccination, timing is crucial. The most effective period for flu vaccination is between late September and early November before winter arrives.”
He also emphasized, “Since the national free influenza vaccination rate is not high every year, eligible individuals must be sure to get vaccinated in advance. Even if not eligible, adolescents and adults should get vaccinated to protect family members with weak immunity.”
When visiting medical institutions for vaccination, it is advised to come on a day when the individual is in good health, accompanied by a guardian, and to strictly follow mask-wearing and hand hygiene protocols.
If there are underlying diseases or current symptoms, inform the medical staff before vaccination, and after vaccination, remain at the medical institution for 15 to 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions before leaving.
On the day of vaccination, sufficient rest should be taken. Mild symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, muscle pain, nausea, or fever may temporarily occur. However, if symptoms persist or severe symptoms such as high fever, hives, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness appear, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Information related to influenza vaccination can be checked through the Vaccination Helper website, smartphone app, and designated medical institutions.
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