Seongdong-gu Offers Free Shingles Vaccination for All Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Free Shingles Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Older Starting February 1
Available at 114 Designated Private Medical Institutions in Seongdong-gu
Program First Launched in 2018 for Vulnerable Seniors, Expanded in 2023 to Include All Seniors Aged 65 and Older Regardless of Income

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) will provide free shingles vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older starting February 1.

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in childhood and remains dormant in the sensory ganglia. When the immune system weakens, the virus reactivates, causing skin rashes and pain.

According to the National Health Insurance Service, as of 2021, there were approximately 720,000 shingles patients in South Korea, with the number increasing annually. The incidence rate of shingles in seniors aged 65 and older is more than eight times higher than that of younger people.

Additionally, a common complication of shingles, postherpetic neuralgia, causes severe pain lasting for months even after the lesions disappear. Among elderly patients, the incidence rate ranges from 40% to 70%. Currently, there is no adequate treatment for shingles, making prevention especially important.

In response, the district proactively began supporting free shingles vaccinations for vulnerable seniors aged 65 and older in 2018. In the first half of 2023, the program expanded to include all seniors aged 70 and older regardless of income level, as well as vulnerable seniors aged 65 and older. From the second half of 2023, the support extended to all seniors aged 65 and older.

The live shingles vaccine is provided free of charge and can be administered starting February 1. Eligible recipients are seniors aged 65 and older (born on or before December 31, 1960) who are registered residents of Seongdong-gu and currently reside there, and who have no prior history of shingles vaccination. Regardless of previous shingles history, the live shingles vaccine can only be administered at least 6 to 12 months after a shingles episode.

The vaccine is available at 114 private contracted medical institutions within the district (refer to the Seongdong-gu Office website). Recipients must bring identification when visiting. Since the live shingles vaccine is administered only once in a lifetime, prior confirmation of vaccination status is required. Detailed information can be obtained through the Seongdong-gu Public Health Center.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “We hope that all seniors aged 65 and older in the district can prevent shingles and its complications through free vaccinations and enjoy healthier daily lives. We will continue to implement essential customized support policies so that all seniors can live healthy and vibrant lives in their communities.”