Flu and COVID-19 Cases Surge... "Get Vaccinated Before Lunar New Year Holiday"

Disease Control Agency Recommends for High-Risk Groups Including Those Aged 65 and Over

As the influenza (flu) epidemic spreads, the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients is also increasing, prompting health authorities to once again urge vaccination.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 8th, during the last week of last year (December 22?28), among 1,000 outpatients visiting 300 nationwide influenza sentinel surveillance medical institutions, 73.9 were suspected influenza cases, a sharp increase of about 2.4 times compared to 31.3 cases the previous week.

During the same period, the number of newly hospitalized COVID-19 patients under sentinel surveillance was 111, about 1.7 times the 66 patients from the previous week.

The KDCA recommended getting vaccinated in advance as group activities become more active during the Lunar New Year holidays with many people traveling and gathering, which could further spread influenza and COVID-19 infections.

Currently, the KDCA is conducting influenza vaccinations for those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months to 13 years. COVID-19 vaccinations are also being administered to high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older, residents and inpatients of infection-vulnerable facilities aged 6 months and older, and immunocompromised individuals.

The KDCA explained that the influenza vaccine is very similar to the influenza virus currently circulating, so sufficient preventive effects can be expected from vaccination. They also stated that the COVID-19 vaccines have the ability to form immunity against variant viruses currently circulating domestically, such as KP.3, XEC, and repeatedly urged vaccination with the JN.1 lineage vaccine. Medical institutions and public health centers where both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations are available can be checked on the Vaccination Helper website.

Ji Young-mi, head of the KDCA, said, "To spend a safe and healthy time with your family during the Lunar New Year holidays, those in high-risk groups such as people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to get vaccinated in advance," adding, "Caregivers and children of high-risk groups should also make sure to get vaccinated."