Superior Pneumonia Prevention with Both Pneumococcal 13-Valent and 23-Valent Vaccines
Free Single Dose of Pneumococcal 13-Valent Conjugate Vaccine (PVC13) for Low-Income Seniors Aged 65 and Over
Visit Designated Local Medical Institutions with ID and Certificate of Recipient Status for Vaccination
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) will be the first in the nation to provide free pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine immunization for low-income seniors aged 65 and over residing in the area.
Pneumococcal vaccines include the 13-valent protein-conjugate vaccine (PVC13) and the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). To effectively prevent pneumonia, it is recommended to receive both vaccines, but currently, only the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is supported free of charge as a national essential vaccination.
Accordingly, to increase pneumonia prevention rates among low-income seniors and reduce the economic burden of vaccination, the district will provide the 13-valent protein-conjugate vaccine (PVC13) free of charge once for the first time nationwide.
The eligible recipients are basic livelihood security recipients aged 65 or older (born on or before December 31, 1959) registered as residents of Gwangjin-gu. Those wishing to receive the vaccination should bring their ID and certificate of recipient status to designated medical institutions within the district. However, those who have previously received the pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine (PCV13) are excluded from support, and those who have received the pneumococcal 23-valent vaccine (PPSV23) can only be vaccinated if at least one year has passed since the last vaccination date.
The 69 designated medical institutions in the area can be found on the Gwangjin-gu Office website. For more details, inquiries can be made to the Vaccination Office at the Gwangjin-gu Public Health Center.
Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “I hope many seniors vulnerable to pneumonia will participate in the free pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine immunization,” and added, “We will continue to seek various measures to promote the health of residents and do our best to create a vibrant and lively Gwangjin-gu.”
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