Seocho-gu, Free Shingles Vaccination for Vulnerable Elderly

District to Provide Free Shingles Vaccination for Basic Livelihood Security Recipients and Low-Income Elderly Aged 65 and Over Starting from the 21st

Related Support Ordinance Enacted in April, Implemented from This Month... Preventing Shingles and Complications, Reducing Economic Burden

Vaccinations Available at 42 Designated Medical Institutions in Seocho-gu

Jeon Seong-su, District Mayor, “We Will Promote Various Projects for Healthy Aging of the Elderly to Create a ‘Healthy City Seocho’”

Seocho-gu (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) will provide free shingles vaccinations to vulnerable elderly residents aged 65 and over starting from the 21st.

According to statistics from the National Health Insurance Service, the number of shingles patients was approximately 720,000 in 2021 and has been increasing annually. The incidence rate of shingles among the elderly aged 65 and over is more than eight times higher compared to younger age groups.

However, shingles vaccination, which prevents shingles onset and reduces complications such as neuralgia, is not designated as a ‘national essential vaccination,’ leading many to avoid vaccination due to the cost burden of about 100,000 to 120,000 KRW.

In response, the district enacted the ‘Seocho-gu Vaccination Support and Delegation Ordinance’ in April and has started providing free shingles vaccinations to vulnerable groups from this month.

The support targets Seocho-gu residents aged 65 and over (born on or before December 31, 1958) who are basic livelihood security recipients or belong to low-income groups, covering the full cost of one vaccination.

Vaccinations will be administered at 42 designated medical institutions within the district. Vulnerable elderly residents can receive the vaccination by presenting their ID. The list of designated medical institutions is available on the Seocho-gu district office website, and detailed inquiries can be made through the Seocho-gu Vaccination Call Center.

The district will also actively promote shingles vaccination, which generally has lower social awareness compared to vaccinations for infectious diseases like influenza. The period until September 30 has been designated as the ‘Shingles Vaccination Intensive Promotion Period,’ during which related posters and promotional materials will be displayed at the district office, community service centers, and affiliated organizations. Additionally, related notices will be sent by mail, and vaccination encouragement will be conducted via text messages and phone calls.

Jeon Seong-su, Mayor of Seocho-gu, stated, “We will continue to promote various projects for the healthy and vibrant aging of the elderly and create a Healthy City Seocho.”