Herpes Zoster Vaccination for Those Aged 75 and Older... Gwangjin-gu Expands Support for Herpes Zoster Vaccination

Free Shingles Vaccination for Seniors Aged 75 and Older Starting July
First-Come, First-Served for 800 Doses, Advance Reservation Required at Public Health Center Vaccination Room
Continuous Vaccination Available for Existing Basic Livelihood Recipients Aged 65 and Older

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is expanding the target group for shingles vaccination, previously provided to basic livelihood security recipients aged 65 and over, to include seniors aged 75 and over. This measure was prepared to reduce the economic burden on seniors who have not received the vaccination due to the high cost of the vaccine and to promote the health of seniors vulnerable to the disease.

Shingles is a disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body. It usually occurs in adults aged 60 and over with weakened immune function, characterized by vesicular rashes on the skin accompanied by pain that feels like the skin is being torn. The risk of lingering neuralgia increases with age, making vaccination an important preventive measure.

Starting in July, anyone aged 75 and over (born on or before December 31, 1949) who is registered and actually residing in Gwangjin-gu will be eligible for one free dose of the shingles vaccine. A supply of 800 doses will be prepared and administered on a first-come, first-served basis. However, those with a history of previous vaccination will be excluded.

Those wishing to receive the vaccination should make a prior reservation and visit the vaccination clinic with their ID. For more details, please contact the Gwangjin-gu Public Health Center.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “We have prepared the shingles vaccination program to reduce the medical expenses burden on seniors and help them live healthily, so we encourage many to participate.” He added, “We will continue to provide customized support policies so that seniors can enjoy a happy and active old age.”

Meanwhile, the district is striving to improve residents’ health through various vaccination programs, including pneumococcal 13-valent, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines.