Disease Control and Prevention Agency Issues Nationwide Influenza Epidemic Alert
Yangsan City in Gyeongnam once again emphasized the importance of vaccination to citizens ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday and recommended strict adherence to respiratory infectious disease prevention guidelines, such as influenza vaccination and wearing masks, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a sample surveillance of 300 medical institutions recorded 73.9 patients showing influenza symptoms per 1,000 outpatients, marking the highest level since 86.3 in 2016.
The currently circulating influenza virus is mostly type A, which is similar to the vaccine strain for this season’s vaccination, so sufficient preventive effects can be expected through vaccination. Additionally, those aged 65 and older can receive simultaneous COVID-19 vaccination.
Yangsan City started free vaccinations for high-risk groups with a high risk of severe illness from influenza infection in September last year, and as of December 31, 2024, 25,617 children aged 13 and under (65.5%), 1,101 pregnant women (59.9%), 51,598 seniors aged 65 and older (80.1%), and 31,580 seniors (49.0%) have completed COVID-19 vaccination.
With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, a time of increased travel for family gatherings, overseas trips, and facility visits, as well as active group activities, the city is actively encouraging not only high-risk groups eligible for free vaccination but also unvaccinated citizens to get vaccinated so that everyone can enjoy a healthy holiday.
A representative from the Yangsan City Public Health Center stated, “Influenza is expected to continue circulating until spring, so those who have not been vaccinated are urged to get the influenza vaccine as soon as possible.”
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