Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do announced on the 7th that it will provide free pneumococcal vaccinations for residents aged 60 and over (born before 1963).
The vaccination targets are residents aged 60 and over who have an address in the county. For residents aged 60 to 64, the county supports the vaccination through its own program, while residents aged 65 and over are covered by a national support program.
Residents who wish to get vaccinated can visit a public health center or designated medical institution with their ID card.
Medical institutions where pneumococcal vaccinations are available for those aged 60 and over include public health centers, branch offices, or designated medical institutions, which can be confirmed on the Vaccination Helper website.
The supported vaccine is the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). If a person aged 60 to 64 has already received a pneumococcal vaccination, an additional dose should be administered five years later.
Invasive pneumococcal infections caused by pneumococcus (such as pneumonia accompanied by bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis, etc.) are fatal, with a mortality rate of 62% for bacteremia and 80% for meningitis.
These infections can be especially deadly for the elderly with weakened immune systems.
A public health official stated, “We strongly encourage elderly individuals with weakened immunity and those with chronic diseases to get vaccinated, and we advise receiving the vaccination on a day when you are in good health to ensure safe immunization.”
Gochang = Kim Jaegil, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr
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