Sunchang-gun Offers Free Pneumococcal Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk, is conducting free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and over (born on or before December 31, 1959).

According to the county on the 16th, pneumonia ranks third among causes of death in South Korea (44.4%, based on 2021 data). Especially for seniors aged 65 and over, invasive pneumococcal infections caused by pneumococcus can increase the risk of serious diseases such as bacteremia and meningitis.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Poster.
Photo by Sunchang-gun

Moreover, when progressing to a severe stage, the fatality rate can rise to 60-80%, making it potentially fatal for seniors with relatively weak immune systems, thus requiring caution and prevention.

This year, the free pneumococcal vaccination targets seniors aged 65 and over who have never received the pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV 23). They can receive one free dose at any public health center or designated entrusted medical institution nationwide.

For more details, inquiries can be made to the Vaccination Office at the Sunchang-gun Health and Medical Center.

Meanwhile, since 2013, the county has been promoting the pneumococcal vaccination support project at the Health and Medical Center, and last year, 8,688 people, accounting for 88.6% of the population aged 65 and over in Sunchang-gun, completed the vaccination.

Sunchang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Young-gwon baekok@asiae.co.kr