Namdong-gu, Incheon, will expand the free shingles vaccination support for the elderly this year.
According to the district on the 9th, last year, as a pledge of the 8th local government, free shingles vaccinations were started for elderly residents aged 75 and over who have lived in Namdong-gu for more than one year. Despite difficulties in vaccine supply, 3,638 people completed the vaccination through public health centers and designated entrusted medical institutions.
Starting this year, the district will expand the support target to elderly residents aged 70 and over who have lived in Namdong-gu for more than one year and basic livelihood security recipients aged 65 and over. This is to reduce the medical expenses burden as the incidence rate of shingles among middle-aged people increases, and the district plans to implement it in February considering the vaccine supply situation.
In addition, 133 entrusted medical institutions have been designated besides the Namdong-gu Public Health Center so that vaccinations can be administered near the place of residence. When getting vaccinated, an ID card and a resident registration abstract issued within one month must be brought.
Park Jong-hyo, the district mayor, said, "Shingles can reduce the incidence rate by nearly half with vaccination alone," and added, "For the smooth operation of free shingles vaccination, national budget support and stable vaccine supply are necessary, so we will continuously request the government to include it in the national essential vaccination program as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, shingles is a disease accompanied by severe pain and shows a high incidence rate among the elderly with weakened immunity. Also, the older the patient, the more likely postherpetic neuralgia remains after treatment, so vaccination is recommended to alleviate symptoms.
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