National preventive vaccinations against influenza and coronavirus for seniors aged 65 and older will be implemented sequentially starting next week.
The KDCA announced on the 2nd that it will conduct national preventive vaccinations for the 2026~2027 season influenza (seasonal flu) and coronavirus for seniors aged 65 and older. The schedule by age group is as follows: those aged 75 and older on October 6, those aged 70 to 74 on October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 15. High-risk groups, such as immunocompromised individuals, can receive vaccinations starting from the 6th after consulting with medical staff, regardless of the age-specific vaccination schedule.
For coronavirus preventive vaccinations, considering vaccine supply and other factors, vaccinations will begin in the following order: those aged 70 and older on October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 15. Immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older, as well as patients and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities (such as shelters for the homeless), can receive vaccinations starting from today, the 12th, regardless of the age-specific vaccination schedule.
Influenza (8.89 million doses) and coronavirus (4.84 million doses) vaccines for senior vaccinations are scheduled to be delivered in accordance with the vaccination schedule. National preventive vaccinations can be received at nearby designated medical institutions or health centers, regardless of one's registered address. There are approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions nationwide, which can be verified through the local health center or the Immunization Information System website.
The Disease Control and Prevention Agency previously adjusted the national preventive vaccination schedule on September 16 last month due to an early influenza outbreak. Vaccinations for children and pregnant women began on the 21st of the same month, and as of 6 p.m. on the 1st of this month, 1.143 million children (23.1%) and 76,000 pregnant women had received vaccinations.
Given the adjusted vaccination schedule, the Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged individuals to check their eligibility for vaccination through the local health center or the Immunization Information System website before visiting a medical institution to ensure smooth vaccination. Individuals must bring identification when visiting. After vaccination, they should remain at the vaccination site for 20 to 30 minutes to observe for any adverse reactions before going home and getting adequate rest.
Lim Seung-gwan, Director of the Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "As the circulating strains change every year, it is important for high-risk groups for influenza and coronavirus to get vaccinated annually." He added, "The national preventive vaccinations for influenza and coronavirus will begin sequentially according to the schedule, so please receive your vaccination in accordance with the schedule for your age group."
in THEBIO
