Jeongeup City in North Jeolla Province is providing free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 60 and over throughout the year.
According to the city on April 23, pneumococcus is a major causative bacterium responsible for various infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sinusitis. Vaccination is considered an important preventive measure, especially for the elderly with weakened immune systems, as pneumococcus can cause fatal complications in this population.
Jeongeup City will provide free pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors aged 60 and over. Photo by Jeongeup City
The type of vaccine and vaccination site differ depending on age. Seniors aged 60 to 64 can receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) at public health centers, health subcenters, and clinics. Those aged 65 and over are eligible for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at public health centers or designated contracted medical institutions.
If the conjugate vaccine has already been administered, duplicate vaccination is not allowed. Among those eligible for the polysaccharide vaccine, if the conjugate vaccine was received before the age of 65, revaccination is possible one year later. If the polysaccharide vaccine was previously administered, revaccination is possible after five years.
Information on designated contracted medical institutions is available on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 'Immunization Helper' website. Seniors wishing to be vaccinated can visit a public health center or designated hospital or clinic with their ID to receive the vaccination free of charge.
Son Heekyung, head of the public health center, said, "Pneumococcal vaccination is an effective way to prevent severe infectious diseases that can threaten the lives of seniors," adding, "We will continue to do our best to ensure that more seniors can receive timely vaccinations through active promotion and support."
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