Directly Linked to Quality of Life for the Elderly... Annual Implementation Starting This Year
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] Namhae-gun, Gyeongnam Province, is actively promoting the "Shingles Vaccination Support Project," a campaign promise of the 8th elected county governor, starting this year. To ensure smooth progress of the project, proactive publicity was conducted at the regular village chief meeting held in February.
Shingles is a representative disease that occurs frequently in people aged 65 and older and significantly impairs the quality of life of the elderly due to the severe neuralgia pain it causes. Since the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant and reactivates when immune function declines, research shows that vaccination can prevent 65.7% of neuralgia cases.
In particular, Namhae-gun has a higher elderly population than other regions, and the high cost of approximately 150,000 KRW has been a considerable economic burden for elderly and low-income residents.
Accordingly, the county plans to implement a project to support the cost of shingles vaccination for residents aged 65 and older who have lived in Namhae-gun for more than one year.
After filling out a pre-application form, eligibility will be verified. Basic livelihood security recipients will receive free vaccinations at public health centers or health clinics, while general residents will be vaccinated at 21 designated medical institutions within the county.
The Namhae-gun Public Health Center held a briefing on the project at the February regular village chief meeting to seek cooperation from village chiefs, aiming to inform eligible recipients for 2023, simplify the application process for the elderly, and facilitate their mobility.
The shingles vaccination will be implemented annually. In the first year, 2023, vaccinations will begin for basic livelihood security recipients aged 65 and older and general residents aged 75 and older.
From 2024 onwards, vaccinations will be available for those aged 65 and older and those who missed vaccination the previous year. Vaccination costs will be free for basic livelihood security recipients, while general residents will bear a co-payment of 19,610 KRW for administration fees.
Director Kwak Ki-du said, "We expect that shingles vaccination will enhance the immunity of the elderly, prevent complications, and contribute to a healthy life and economic relief for the senior population. We are doing our best to ensure thorough preparation without any setbacks."
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