KDCA Emphasizes Timely Vaccination Against Chickenpox, Pertussis, and Other Diseases in School-Age Children
Although the influenza (flu) outbreak has eased, the health authorities have urged vaccination against the flu as a secondary outbreak may occur among children and adolescents with the start of the new school semester.
On the 27th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced in a public briefing that infectious diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, and pertussis may increase mainly among school-age children who engage in group activities during the new semester, and advised the public to pay close attention to infection prevention.
Respiratory infectious diseases mainly spread among children and adolescents living together indoors, showing a pattern where cases increase during the school term and decrease during vacation periods. In particular, influenza typically peaks in midwinter and then sees a slight increase again after the March school reopening, so it is too early to be complacent.
Although the number of flu patients has recently decreased rapidly, there are still many cases among children and adolescents, requiring caution in this age group. In the 7th week of this year (February 9?15), the number of suspected flu patients per 1,000 outpatients was 11.6, marking a continuous decline for six weeks after peaking at 99.8 in the first week of January. However, among children and adolescents aged 7 to 18, the number reached 24.2 per 1,000.
Chickenpox, which causes blisters on the skin, mumps known as parotitis, and pertussis are also infectious diseases that school-age children and adolescents should be cautious about. As of last year, 68.3% of chickenpox patients and 44.5% of mumps patients were school-age children and adolescents. Among these, chickenpox is highly contagious and often causes outbreaks in school-age children, so caution is necessary. Pertussis also saw 86.6% of patients last year being school-age children and adolescents, with cases increasing until just before vacation and then decreasing during the vacation period.
The KDCA reiterated that vaccines for influenza, pertussis, measles, mumps, and rubella are available free of charge through the national immunization program, and urged timely vaccination.
Flu vaccines need to be administered annually, and this season, vaccination support is provided until April 30 for children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2011, and August 31, 2024).
Above all, it is important to follow respiratory infection prevention measures in daily life, such as handwashing and practicing proper cough etiquette. Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces or on public transportation is also recommended. In classrooms, regular ventilation by opening windows at least three times a day should be maintained, and if infection symptoms are suspected, students should refrain from attending school and get sufficient rest.
Additionally, the KDCA noted that with increased outdoor activities starting in March with the new semester, traffic accidents involving children and adolescents may rise, so safety rules should be followed during commuting to and from school. Attention should also be paid to allergic diseases caused by pollen and fine dust.
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