Gyeonggi-do, 260,000 High-Risk Group Receive Free COVID-19 Vaccination in One Week

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Gyeonggi Province has reported that more than 260,000 people have received free COVID-19 vaccinations within a week of starting the program for high-risk groups.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 27th that since beginning COVID-19 vaccinations on the 19th for seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 64, and members of infection-vulnerable facilities, a total of 262,444 people had participated as of the 26th.

The province actively recommends vaccination for seniors aged 65 and older, as their fatality rate from COVID-19 infection is about 40 times higher than those under 65, but vaccination can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death to one-twentieth.

This vaccine can be administered 3 months (90 days) after the last vaccination date, and only one dose is required within the period regardless of previous vaccination or infection history.

This year, domestic and international research has confirmed that receiving the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on the same day does not affect immune response or safety, so simultaneous vaccination is recommended.

Those under 64 who wish to be vaccinated can start receiving vaccinations from November 1.

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "Although there were some disruptions in vaccine supply due to the rapid increase in vaccinations, we will do our best to manage and supply vaccines so that visitors to medical institutions can be vaccinated on the same day," and urged, "Seniors aged 65 and older are advised to get vaccinated by November to prepare for the resurgence this winter."