Ulsan Launches Its First Free Vaccination Program
for All County Residents
Ulju County in Ulsan will launch the city’s first shingles vaccination support program for all residents aged 50 and older.
On May 23, Ulju County announced that the vaccinations will officially begin on June 5.
Shingles is a disease with a high incidence among middle-aged and older adults, whose immune systems have begun to weaken. Because it can cause severe pain and nerve damage with potentially serious aftereffects, prevention is essential. Although a single vaccination can provide high preventive efficacy, the vaccination rate has remained low due to the cost of the vaccine.
In response, Ulju County has expanded the eligibility for vaccination support, which was previously limited to basic livelihood security recipients aged 60 and older, to include all eligible residents.
Any Ulju County resident born on or before December 31, 1975 (based on residence in Ulju County on the day of vaccination) is eligible for the program.
The county will allocate a total budget of 1,577,600,000 won for this project, providing one dose of the live shingles vaccine free of charge to each eligible resident.
In particular, basic livelihood security recipients and those in the next-lowest income bracket will receive both the vaccine and the vaccination procedure entirely free of charge. For other residents, the county will cover the cost of the vaccine, and individuals will only need to pay the administration fee, which is approximately 19,000 won.
Vaccinations will be available at Ulju County Health Center, the Southern Integrated Health Branch, and 25 designated local medical institutions. A list of participating medical institutions can be found on the Ulju County Health Center website.
In Dudong, Duseo, and Samdong-myeon, which are designated as exceptions to the pharmaceutical dispensing regulations, vaccinations will be administered at the local health branches once a week on designated days.
Residents wishing to receive the vaccination must bring a form of identification and a copy of their resident registration certificate issued on the day of vaccination (or a mobile resident registration card). Basic livelihood security recipients and those in the next-lowest income bracket must also provide the relevant certification.
County Governor Lee Sungul stated, "By launching Ulsan’s first vaccination support program for all residents aged 50 and older, we will not only improve public health but also reduce medical expenses for our residents," adding, "We will continue to take the lead in closing health gaps through effective public health policies."
Ulju County Office.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
