High Vaccination Costs Cause Economic Burden
Eligibility for Free Support Expanded Through Ordinance Revision
Advance Reservations Accepted Starting on the 20th
The city of Guri, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun) announced on the 6th that it will support shingles vaccination for all Guri citizens aged 65 and over starting April 1.
Guri City will support shingles vaccination for all Guri citizens aged 65 and over starting April 1. Provided by Guri City
The vaccination target includes seniors aged 65 and over (born on or before December 31, 1960) who have lived in Guri for more than one year and have no history of shingles vaccination. This expands the previous eligibility, which was limited to basic livelihood security recipients or near-poverty groups, regardless of such status.
Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus previously contracted as chickenpox, appearing as erythematous vesicles along the nerve ganglia, accompanied by severe pain upon onset.
Since the incidence rate is high among the elderly with weakened immunity, vaccination is recommended. However, due to the high cost of vaccination causing economic burden, the city revised related ordinances last November to expand free support to all seniors aged 65 and over.
Advance reservation applications can be made from the 20th via the Public Health Center Vaccination Room’s reservation call center or the city’s website integrated reservation portal. Vaccinations will be administered at the Guri Public Health Center or designated local medical institutions entrusted with shingles vaccination.
When visiting the Public Health Center for vaccination, the vaccine recipient must bring their ID card. For vaccinations at entrusted medical institutions, both an ID card and a resident registration abstract must be brought, and a nominal co-payment will be required.
Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun of Guri said, "Through the expansion of this shingles vaccination support project, we hope to reduce the economic burden on seniors and prevent the onset and complications of shingles, enabling our seniors to enjoy a more vibrant and healthy life."
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