Gapyeong County Offers Free Shingles Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

Ongoing Since 2024
Free Live Vaccine and Partial Support for First Dose of Inactivated Vaccine

Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province announced on January 8, 2026, that it will continue to provide free shingles vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and over in the new year.

Gapyeong County, Free Shingles Vaccination for Seniors Aged 65 and Over Poster. Provided by Gapyeong County

Gapyeong County established the "Ordinance on Support for Shingles Vaccination in Gapyeong County" in 2024 and has been offering free shingles vaccinations to residents who turn 65 and to those who have not yet been vaccinated since October 21 of the same year.

Eligible recipients are seniors aged 65 and over who have been registered residents of Gapyeong County for at least one year as of the vaccination date, specifically those born on or before December 31, 1961. The supported vaccine is the live attenuated shingles vaccine. Individuals who have previously had shingles may receive the vaccine 6 to 12 months after recovery. Those with a prior vaccination history or for whom vaccination is contraindicated due to immunosuppression are excluded from eligibility.

Shingles vaccinations are available at the public health center and at 19 designated medical institutions within the county. When visiting the public health center, recipients must bring identification. At designated medical institutions, both identification and a resident registration certificate issued within the past seven days are required to receive the free vaccination.

Gapyeong County is also partially subsidizing the cost of inactivated shingles vaccines for residents who cannot receive the live vaccine. This support applies to those who receive their first dose of the inactivated vaccine after October 21, 2024, and applications are accepted even for vaccinations administered at medical institutions outside the county. Applicants must submit identification, a receipt for medical expenses, and a copy of their bankbook to the public health center or a public health branch.

A Gapyeong County official stated, "We hope that free shingles vaccinations will allow seniors to maintain a healthy daily life without the burden of vaccination costs," adding, "We will continue to make every effort to support the well-being of our seniors."