Goyang City Offers Free Pneumococcal Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Pneumococcus, High Incidence in Winter
Deadly for the Elderly

Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) announced on the 20th that it is providing free pneumococcal vaccinations year-round for seniors aged 65 and older in preparation for the winter season, when respiratory infectious diseases are prevalent.

A view of Goyang Special City Hall. Provided by Goyang Special City.

Seniors aged 65 and older (born on or before December 31, 1959) who have never received the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) can receive a free single dose by visiting a public health center or designated medical institution.

Pneumonia is one of the fatal infectious diseases for the elderly, with a higher incidence rate during winter.

Older adults aged 65 and above have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of infection. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia accompanied by bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis, and other serious conditions.

In particular, bacteremia has a mortality rate of 60%, and meningitis has a mortality rate of 80%, which can have fatal effects on seniors, so caution is necessary.

If a 13-valent vaccine was administered before the age of 65, the pneumococcal vaccine can be given one year after the date of vaccination. If the 23-valent vaccine was paid for before the age of 65, vaccination can be done five years after the date of vaccination.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are available free of charge at public health centers or designated hospitals and clinics regardless of the recipient’s place of residence. The list of medical institutions where vaccination is available can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website.

A representative from Ilsandong-gu Public Health Center stated, “Since the incidence of pneumonia increases during winter, we hope that seniors get vaccinated promptly upon turning 65,” and urged active participation in vaccination.