Gyeonggi-do to Offer Free Influenza Vaccinations Starting from the 20th

Gyeonggi-do's 'Influenza Vaccination' Guide Poster for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Gyeonggi Province will conduct influenza vaccinations from the 20th of this month until April 30th of next year. The vaccination support targets include children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 18th that starting from the 20th, influenza vaccinations will be administered sequentially by age group, beginning with children receiving their first-ever influenza vaccination, followed by children requiring a single dose and pregnant women on October 2nd, and seniors aged 75 and older on October 11th.

Especially this year, as respiratory infectious diseases such as Mycoplasma pneumonia infection, pertussis, and COVID-19 have been prevalent, active vaccination is encouraged for high-risk groups including children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

Additionally, for those aged 65 and above, simultaneous vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine will be promoted when receiving the influenza vaccine. Domestic and international studies have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous vaccination, and major countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan are also regularizing annual simultaneous vaccination for high-risk populations along with influenza vaccination.

Influenza vaccinations can be administered at designated medical institutions regardless of the recipient’s address, and nearby designated institutions can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr). When visiting a medical institution, it is necessary to bring identification to verify vaccination eligibility and prevent duplicate vaccinations.

For those eligible under local government influenza vaccination support programs, such as persons with disabilities and long-term care facility workers, inquiries can be made to the relevant city or county office, and vaccinations can be received according to their guidance.

Han Jeong-hee, Director of the Infectious Disease Control Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, “We recommend influenza vaccination for seniors, pregnant women, and children who are at relatively higher risk of complications such as pneumonia from influenza infection,” and urged, “To prevent infectious respiratory diseases, it is essential to practice proper personal hygiene such as correct handwashing and cough etiquette.”