Gimpo-si Supports Shingles Vaccination for Vulnerable Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Expectations for Health Protection and Reduction of Medical Expenses

Gimpo City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byung-su) announced on the 21st that it will provide shingles vaccination for vulnerable groups aged 65 and over starting April 1.

Notice on Shingles Vaccination for Vulnerable Groups Aged 65 and Over. Provided by Gimpo City

Shingles has an incidence rate 8 to 10 times higher in the elderly with weakened immunity compared to younger people and can cause severe neuralgia, making vaccination an important preventive measure. However, depending on the type of vaccine, the economic burden ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 KRW.

Accordingly, Gimpo City will provide a one-time shingles vaccination (live vaccine) for those aged 65 and over (born on or before December 31, 1960) who are basic livelihood security recipients, severely disabled persons, national merit recipients, and their bereaved families or relatives.

Those wishing to receive the vaccination can visit one of the 53 designated medical institutions in the area with a certificate of recipient status, disability welfare card, or national merit certificate. The list of designated medical institutions and detailed information can be found on the Gimpo City Hall website.

A Gimpo City official stated, “Shingles causes severe pain and high treatment costs when it occurs in the elderly,” and added, “We expect this vaccination support project to contribute to protecting the health of senior citizens and reducing medical expenses.”