Ulsan Elijah Hospital to Provide Free National Influenza Vaccinations for Children

Two-dose recipients eligible starting September 22
Single-dose recipients can begin vaccination on September 29

Ulsan Elijah Hospital (Director: Jung Younghwan) has been designated as a commissioned medical institution for the 2025-2026 National Influenza Vaccination Support Program and will begin providing free national influenza vaccinations for children starting September 22.

The National Influenza Vaccination Support Program was converted to a private consignment project in 2015, allowing individual medical institutions to offer free vaccinations. As a result, the eligible population has expanded from seniors aged 65 and older to include children, and the program is implemented every year before winter begins.

The free national influenza vaccination program for children targets those from 6 months to 13 years old.

For children aged 6 months to under 9 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time in their lives, a second dose is required four weeks after the initial vaccination. Those who need two doses can receive their first vaccination starting September 22, while those who require only one dose can be vaccinated beginning a week later, on September 29.

The specific vaccination schedule and number of doses should be determined after consultation with a screening physician. The free national influenza vaccination program for children will continue until April 30, 2026.

Notably, this year marks the first time that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Immunization Advisory Committee have recommended switching from the previously recommended quadrivalent vaccine to the trivalent vaccine, as the B/Yamagata lineage virus antigen has not been detected globally for over five years.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explained that this change in vaccine formulation does not affect the effectiveness or safety of influenza prevention for recipients.

Kang Se-a, head of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Ulsan Elijah Hospital, advised, "With abnormal weather patterns occurring worldwide, this winter is expected to see frequent cold waves. There is still a high likelihood that respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza will spread simultaneously, so it is best to receive the influenza vaccination as early as possible."

According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service on diseases of public interest, among the total 2,315,434 influenza patients in 2019, the highest incidence was found in age groups that commonly participate in group activities: 0-9 years old (396,526 boys, 388,665 girls) and 10-19 years old (301,738 boys, 276,465 girls), compared to other age groups.

Dr. Kang stated, "The influenza vaccine does not completely prevent the onset of influenza, but it helps alleviate symptoms and is effective in reducing the risks of hospitalization, complications, and death caused by influenza." She added, "It takes about two weeks for antibodies to form after vaccination, so the timing of the influenza vaccination is especially important. The most effective period is from late September to early November, before winter begins."

She also emphasized, "Every year, the national free influenza vaccination rate is not high, so those eligible for free vaccination should make sure to get vaccinated in advance. Even if you are not eligible, adolescents and adults should also get vaccinated to protect family members with weaker immune systems from influenza."

When visiting a medical institution for vaccination, it is recommended to go on a day when the child is in good health and accompanied by a guardian. Strict mask-wearing and hand hygiene should be observed. If the child has underlying health conditions or is currently experiencing symptoms, inform the medical staff before vaccination. After receiving the vaccine, remain at the medical institution for 15 to 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions before returning home.

On the day of vaccination, sufficient rest is recommended. Mild symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, muscle aches, nausea, or fever may occur temporarily. However, if symptoms persist or if high fever, hives, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Information related to influenza vaccination can be found on the Immunization Helper website, smartphone app, or through designated medical institutions.