October 11th Marked Annually as 'Flu Vaccination Day'
On the 11th at 11 a.m., the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association announced on the 12th that it discussed measures to increase the influenza vaccination rate in celebration of the 'Influenza Vaccination Day' held at the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association building in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association announced on the 12th that it discussed measures to increase the influenza vaccination rate on the 11th at 11 a.m. at the Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in observance of the "Influenza Vaccination Day." [Photo by Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association]
The association established Influenza Vaccination Day for the first time on October 11, 2018, to raise awareness of the importance of influenza vaccination. Since then, it has continued public campaigns for influenza vaccination through online promotions, health lectures, and related events every year. This year, it has been encouraging the public to get vaccinated through radio public service advertisements starting from September 16.
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. It presents various symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, chills, muscle pain, and headache. In cases where patients have underlying conditions such as asthma or heart disease, it can lead to death. Globally, 3 to 5 million severe cases occur annually, with about 10% of those patients known to die.
This month, coinciding with the Chuseok holiday, influenza cases appear to be spreading. In particular, infections have increased mainly among elementary school students aged 7 to 12 since the start of the school term in September. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of influenza-like illness patients (patients showing suspected influenza symptoms) has steadily increased for four consecutive weeks since the influenza advisory was issued on the 15th of last month. The proportion of influenza-like illness patients per 1,000 people expanded from 11.3 → 13.1 → 17.3 → 20.8 since September. An influenza advisory is issued when the number of influenza patients exceeds 6.5 per 1,000 people.
Free influenza vaccinations will be provided sequentially by age group, starting from those aged 65 and older from the 11th of this month until April 30 of next year. The first vaccinations will be given to those aged 75 and older (born on or before December 31, 1948). There are about 20,000 medical institutions nationwide offering vaccinations, and detailed locations can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website. General citizens who are not eligible for the national immunization program can also receive paid vaccinations at medical institutions.
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