Free Vaccinations for High-Risk Groups Available Until the End of This Month, Says KDCA
As the number of COVID-19 cases rises in neighboring countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore, health authorities have once again urged high-risk groups, including people aged 65 and older, to make sure they get vaccinated.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on June 2, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients under sample surveillance stood at 97 for the 21st week of this year (May 18-24), a decrease of three compared to the previous week. Over the past four weeks, the numbers have fluctuated slightly?115, 146, 100, and 97?remaining at a similar level, which suggests that the domestic outbreak is relatively stable.
In contrast, the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in neighboring countries with which Korea has frequent exchanges, such as China, Thailand, and Singapore. The KDCA explained that, considering it takes about four weeks for immunity to develop after vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. In particular, those planning to travel to these countries must get vaccinated before departure.
The KDCA is currently offering free COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2024-2025 season until the end of this month to people aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged six months and above, and residents or inpatients of infection-prone facilities.
Research conducted both in Korea and abroad has confirmed that the currently used JN.1 lineage vaccines remain effective in preventing several COVID-19 variants circulating domestically.
Ji Youngmi, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "As COVID-19 cases are increasing in neighboring countries, we cannot rule out the possibility of an outbreak during the upcoming summer season," and recommended, "Those in high-risk groups who have not yet been vaccinated should do so now."
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