Jeonnam Province Extends COVID-19 Vaccination for High-Risk Groups Until June to Prepare for Summer Surge

Vaccination Urged for Seniors Aged 65 and Older and Immunocompromised Individuals
Vaccination Rate Barely Exceeds Half at 55.3% as of April 22

An elderly resident of Jeonnam is receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has extended the COVID-19 vaccination period for high-risk groups, which was originally scheduled to end on April 30, until the end of June.

This measure is intended as a preemptive response, considering the nationwide trend over the past three years (2022?2024) of rising COVID-19 cases not only in winter but also during the summer months.

The 2024?2025 season's free COVID-19 vaccination program, which began on October 11 last year, is available to seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged six months and older, and residents or inpatients of facilities vulnerable to infection.

As of April 22, Jeonnam Province has the highest vaccination rate in the country at 55.3% (compared to the national average of 47.4%), but still, one out of every two people in the high-risk group remains unvaccinated.

Those who have not yet received the vaccine are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible, considering that it takes four weeks after vaccination for sufficient immunity to develop.

High-risk individuals who have already received the 2024?2025 season vaccine may receive an additional dose after consulting with medical professionals, taking into account the possibility of waning immunity. In particular, additional vaccination is strongly recommended for immunocompromised individuals, as it is more difficult for them to develop immunity.

After May 1, the list of medical institutions offering COVID-19 vaccinations may change, so individuals should check the Vaccination Helper website for available institutions before visiting.

Namseok Na, head of the Infectious Disease Control Division of Jeonnam Province, said, "For high-risk groups such as seniors aged 65 and older, vaccination is extremely important to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19," and urged, "As the vaccination period has been extended, those who have not yet received the vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible."