Starting proactive support for vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over in 2018
Expanding support to all seniors aged 65 and over regardless of income from the second half of 2023
From May 1, visit 114 private medical institutions in Seongdong-gu with ID for vaccination
Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Wono) will begin providing free shingles vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and over starting May 1.
According to data published by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the incidence rate of shingles has gradually increased from 4.23 per 1,000 people in 2006 to 9.22 per 1,000 people in 2015. This is presumed to be related to the aging population phenomenon.
The incidence of shingles increases with age, with a sharp rise in risk for those aged 50 and above, and the highest number of patients in their 60s and 70s.
Shingles causes severe pain along with blisters that appear along the nerve ganglia, and even after the blisters disappear, neuralgia can persist for a long time. Since there is no adequate treatment for shingles, prevention is important; however, the cost of the vaccine, averaging 100,000 to 180,000 KRW (based on live vaccine), has not yet been designated as a national mandatory vaccination, placing a significant burden on seniors who wish to be vaccinated.
In response, Seongdong-gu took the lead by starting free shingles vaccination support for vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over in 2018. In the first half of last year, the target was expanded to include seniors aged 70 and over regardless of income level, in addition to vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over, and from the second half, shingles vaccination support has been provided to all seniors aged 65 and over.
Despite nationwide vaccine supply instability last year, through close cooperation with vaccine suppliers and real-time posting of vaccine status at entrusted medical institutions, over 9,500 seniors in Seongdong-gu completed their shingles vaccinations with prompt response.
This year, free shingles vaccination support will begin on May 1, and the live shingles vaccine supported by Seongdong-gu requires only one dose.
Since shingles can recur, vaccination is recommended regardless of past shingles history, and the live shingles vaccine is advised to be administered at least 6 to 12 months after a shingles episode.
The vaccination target is seniors aged 65 and over who are registered residents of Seongdong-gu and currently reside there as of the application date. Vaccinations will be conducted at 114 private entrusted medical institutions within Seongdong-gu starting May 1. Medical institutions can be confirmed on the Seongdong-gu Public Health Center website, and seniors can visit a nearby entrusted medical institution with their ID to receive the vaccination. It is more convenient to call ahead to check vaccine availability. For related inquiries, contact the Disease Prevention Division of the Seongdong-gu Public Health Center.
Jeong Wono, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “Seniors suffer more during the treatment process compared to younger people when shingles occurs,” and added, “I hope seniors can prevent the disease with the shingles vaccine and enjoy a healthy and vibrant old age.”
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