"Spread Accelerating Too Quickly" Urgent Vaccination 'Warning'... Influenza Cases Surging

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on the 30th that, following the influenza epidemic advisory issued by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on October 17, the number of suspected influenza cases in the province has continued to rise. The provincial government strongly urged residents to actively participate in vaccination efforts.

According to analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the nationwide number of suspected influenza cases surged for five consecutive weeks, increasing from 13.6 per 1,000 outpatients in week 43 to 66.3 in week 46. The sharpest increase was observed among school-aged children and adolescents aged 7 to 12 and 13 to 18, while a notable rise was also seen among preschool children aged 1 to 6. This indicates a clear trend of the epidemic spreading primarily among children and adolescents.

Within Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the trend mirrors the national situation, with a rapid increase in suspected influenza cases. In particular, the 7 to 12 age group far exceeds the national average, making vaccination for this demographic especially urgent.

The province is currently supporting the 2025-2026 season national influenza vaccination program for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older. However, the local vaccination rate remains below the target (such as 81.5% for seniors), underscoring the need for active participation in vaccination to ensure a safe and healthy winter for all residents.

To promote vaccination, the province plans to strengthen both online and offline campaigns in cooperation with city and county governments, including posting banners, displaying messages on electronic boards, and providing one-on-one guidance to unvaccinated individuals.

Influenza Epidemic Advisory Notice. Provided by Gangwon Province

Jung Youngmi, Director of the Welfare and Health Bureau of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, emphasized, "As the influenza outbreak is occurring earlier this winter than last year, we strongly recommend that high-risk groups-children, pregnant women, and seniors-receive vaccination as soon as possible, as it is the most effective way to prevent infection."