Gradual Expansion of Shingles Vaccination Support... Strengthening Healthcare Rights for Vulnerable Groups

Jeonnam Province Expands Support
to Include People with Severe Disabilities Aged 75 and Older

Shingles Vaccination Promotional Material. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province will gradually expand the eligibility for shingles vaccination support to prevent shingles, which commonly occurs among the elderly, and to strengthen healthcare rights for medically vulnerable groups.

Shingles is a disease with a high incidence among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, causing severe pain and neurological complications.

Support for shingles vaccination has been provided since 2018 to basic livelihood security recipients and those in the near-poor group aged 65 and older. Starting in 2026, the program will be expanded to include people with severe disabilities aged 75 and older. The eligibility age for people with severe disabilities will be further expanded to those aged 70 and older in 2027, and to those aged 65 and older in 2028.

Eligible recipients are residents who have lived in Jeonnam for more than one year. They can receive the vaccination at public health centers in 22 cities and counties by bringing their ID and resident registration certificate (or summary). Basic livelihood security recipients must additionally submit a certificate of basic livelihood security recipient status, those in the near-poor group must submit a certificate for that status, and people with severe disabilities must submit a disability certificate.

Both live and inactivated shingles vaccines are supported, and for basic livelihood security recipients and those in the near-poor group, the live vaccine is provided free of charge.

People with severe disabilities who are not basic livelihood security recipients or in the near-poor group must pay a 20,000 won vaccination administration fee for the live vaccine. For the inactivated vaccine, up to 100,000 won is supported for two doses, and any excess cost must be paid by the recipient.

Jeonnam Province plans to actively promote the shingles vaccination program through various channels, including text messages, informational leaflets, and village broadcasts.

Jung Gwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "Shingles is one of the diseases for which vaccination is most effective, and proactive measures for the elderly and vulnerable groups are especially important," adding, "Through this expansion of vaccination support, we will make every effort to ensure a healthy old age for socially disadvantaged groups."