Influenza vaccinations began on September 21 for children and pregnant women.
According to Yonhap News, the national flu vaccination program will start today for children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women, followed by seniors aged 65 and older next month.
Children aged 6 months to 14 years (born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2026) can receive the flu vaccine starting today, regardless of the number of doses required.
For seniors, vaccinations will begin on October 6 for those aged 75 and older, on October 12 for those aged 70 to 74, and on October 15 for those aged 65 to 69.
High-risk groups, including those with weakened immune systems, can receive vaccinations starting October 6, regardless of age, after consulting with healthcare professionals.
The national flu vaccination can be administered at nearby designated medical institutions or public health centers, regardless of the recipient's residence. Designated medical institutions can be found through local public health centers or the vaccination assistance website.
Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that a sample surveillance of approximately 800 outpatient medical institutions indicated that during the 37th week of this year (September 6-12), the rate of patients with influenza-like illness (fever above 38°C accompanied by cough or sore throat) was 31.0 per 1,000 people, which is 4.6 times higher than the same period last year (6.7 per 1,000).
* This article has been translated by AI.
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