Yangju City Supports Free Pneumococcal Vaccination for Citizens Aged 65 and Over

Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kang Su-hyun) announced on the 15th that it will provide year-round support for the ‘free pneumococcal vaccination’ for those born in 1960 who turn 65 this year.

'Pneumococcal Free Vaccination' Notice. Provided by Yangju City

‘Pneumococcus’ is one of the main causative bacteria responsible for invasive infections such as pneumonia, bacteremia, acute otitis media, and meningitis, with invasive infections being more fatal to the elderly.

In particular, if pneumococcal infection progresses to bacteremia or meningitis, the mortality rate can increase to 60-80%.

The vaccine supported this time is the ‘Pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23),’ which is known to help prevent various pneumococcal diseases with just a single lifetime dose.

The vaccination target is those registered as born between January 1 and December 31, 1960 (age 65), and seniors aged 65 or older who have never received a pneumococcal vaccination can also get vaccinated.

The vaccination is free of charge at designated hospitals and clinics nationwide regardless of the place of residence, and the hospitals and clinics where vaccination is available can be checked through the Vaccination Helper website and the Yangju City Public Health Center Vaccination Office.

A Yangju City official said, “For a healthy old age, managing underlying diseases, exercising, and improving eating habits are important, but preventing infectious diseases is also crucial,” adding, “Since sufficient prevention is possible with just one vaccination, we encourage those who have turned 65 to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”