Free influenza (flu) vaccination begins today (the 20th).
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that the 2024-2025 seasonal influenza national vaccination will be conducted from today until April 30 next year.
This vaccination will be carried out sequentially for children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2011 and August 31, 2024), pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 years or older (born before December 31, 1959) who are at high risk of developing severe influenza infection.
On the 20th, vaccinations for children who need two doses will begin first. This applies to children aged 6 months to 9 years who have never been vaccinated before or who have only received one dose.
Starting from the 2nd of next month, children eligible for the first vaccination (other than those eligible for the second vaccination) and pregnant women will receive free vaccination.
Seniors aged 65 and older will be able to get vaccinated on the 11th of next month. On the same day, the 2024-2025 seasonal COVID-19 vaccination will also begin, and the quarantine authorities recommend simultaneous vaccinations as both vaccines can prevent each disease separately.
When vaccinated against influenza, protective antibodies are formed two weeks after vaccination, and in healthy adults, it is 70-90% effective in preventing influenza, and in addition to preventing infection, it also reduces the risk of severe illness and death.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the most common side effects after receiving the flu vaccine include redness and swelling at the injection site and pain, but most of these symptoms disappear within 1-2 days.
This influenza vaccination will use a quadrivalent vaccine that includes the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended strain. A contract for the procurement of 11.7 million doses (for one dose) has already been signed.
If you are not eligible for free vaccinations, such as children, you can receive paid vaccinations. Some local governments also operate individual additional support programs for influenza vaccination costs, so you can receive support by contacting your local public health center.
When receiving the vaccination, you must bring identification (resident registration copy, national health insurance card, etc. for children, maternal health booklet, etc. for pregnant women).
Starting this season, an electronic checklist will be introduced that allows those receiving the vaccine to fill out the checklist in advance. The electronic checklist can be filled out by accessing the vaccination assistant website before visiting the hospital. Only the checklist filled out on the day of vaccination is valid, and if you are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine together, you will need to fill out an electronic checklist for each.
Source: www.nextdaily.co.kr
