Infant Rotavirus National Vaccination Begins... Free Vaccinations at 600 Locations in Daegu

Daegu City announced on the 2nd that about 600 designated medical institutions will begin administering the rotavirus vaccine, which is being introduced as part of the national immunization program starting from the 6th.

Rotavirus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in infants and young children with weak immune systems, leading to symptoms such as dehydration and high fever. It is mainly transmitted through person-to-person contact via the fecal-oral route and often causes outbreaks in group living settings such as postpartum care centers and daycare centers. Until now, it has been classified as an optional vaccination and administered at the individual's expense.

With the introduction of this national immunization program, free vaccination will be available nationwide, ensuring the prevention of infections and safety for infants and young children.

The vaccination target is infants aged 2 to 6 months, and the vaccine is administered orally. Both the monovalent vaccine (Rotarix) and the pentavalent vaccine (RotaTeq) are available.

Among the two types of vaccines, one can be chosen for vaccination; however, cross-vaccination between Rotarix and RotaTeq is not recommended, while simultaneous vaccination with other vaccines such as hepatitis B is possible.

The minimum starting age for the first dose is 6 weeks after birth, and all doses must be completed by the day the infant reaches 8 months of age from the date of birth.

Vaccination institutions can be confirmed on the Vaccination Helper website, and vaccinations can be administered at designated medical institutions nationwide regardless of the address.

Sung Woong-kyung, Director of the Daegu City Citizen Safety Office, said, “The introduction of free rotavirus vaccination has reduced the financial burden on parents,” adding, “Since there are age restrictions for starting and completing the vaccination, it is very important to complete the vaccination on time.”