Gangseo-gu Supports Free Shingles Vaccination for Vulnerable Elderly

Free Shingles Vaccination for Medical Aid Recipients Aged 65 and Older
Vaccinations Available at Designated Medical Institutions Starting March 4

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) is offering free shingles vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older in the area. Shingles is a disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in nerve ganglia after a previous chickenpox infection and becomes active again when immunity weakens.

The incidence rate is high among those aged 60 to 70, when immunity declines, and it is accompanied by severe pain along with a rash. It can also cause complications such as meningitis and retinitis, making vaccination essential; however, the high cost of the vaccine poses a significant financial burden.

Accordingly, the district is providing free vaccination support for seniors who find the vaccination cost burdensome. Eligible recipients are medical aid beneficiaries aged 65 or older (born on or before December 31, 1960) who are registered residents of Gangseo-gu. Those with a history of previous vaccination are excluded, and individuals who have already had shingles can receive the vaccine 6 to 12 months after recovery.

Vaccinations will be administered from March 4 of this year until the budget is exhausted. Recipients should bring their ID and medical aid beneficiary certificate and visit designated shingles vaccination medical institutions within the district. Information on these institutions can be found on the Gangseo-gu Public Health Center website.

Vaccines can be chosen between the live attenuated vaccine and the recombinant subunit vaccine. The live attenuated vaccine is free, while 94,310 KRW per dose is supported for the recombinant subunit vaccine.

Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon stated, “I hope seniors aged 65 and older, who have a high incidence rate, will not forget to receive the free vaccination,” and added, “We will continue to expand public medical service support to ensure a healthy and happy old age for our seniors.”