11 October: Promoting Flu Vaccination for Public Health
In the midst of an ongoing flu epidemic, efforts are underway to encourage widespread vaccination. The Korean Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Society convened on 11 October at their center in Seocho-gu, Seoul to discuss strategies for increasing the flu vaccination rate. This gathering was organized to coincide with ‘Flu Vaccination Day’, a date established in 2018 to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu. The association has been actively promoting the flu vaccine to the public through online campaigns, health lectures, and various events. To further enhance public participation, radio public service announcements advocating for flu vaccination have been airing since 16 September.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Common symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. In individuals with underlying chronic diseases such as asthma or heart conditions, complications from the flu can even be fatal. Shockingly, an estimated 3 to 5 million people worldwide suffer from severe flu-related illnesses each year, with a mortality rate of approximately 10%.
Recent data suggests that the number of flu cases is on the rise, coinciding with the extended Chuseok holiday period. Of particular concern is the surge in infections among elementary school students, specifically those aged 7 to 12, since the start of the school year in September. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected flu cases has been steadily increasing for the past four weeks, following the issuance of an epidemic advisory on the 15th of last month. The percentage of suspected cases has risen from 11.3% to 13.1%, and further to 17.3% and 20.8% respectively. An official epidemic notification is typically declared when the number of flu cases per 1,000 people exceeds 6.5.
In response to the escalating threat, free flu shots will be made available to the public in chronological order based on age, beginning from the 11th of April next year, starting with individuals aged 65 and above. The first wave of vaccinations will prioritize those aged 75 and older (born before 31 December 1948). A network of approximately 20,000 vaccination medical facilities can be found across the country, with detailed locations accessible on the Vaccination Assistant website.
In conclusion, combating the flu requires a collective effort. As the flu epidemic persists, it is crucial to embrace the protection offered by timely and comprehensive vaccinations. Let us prioritize public health and unite in minimizing the impact of this contagious illness.
11 October is Flu Vaccination Day. Photo = Korean Pharmaceutical and Bio Society
As the flu epidemic shows no signs of abating, an opportunity has been established to encourage vaccination.
The Korean Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Society discussed ways to increase the flu vaccination rate on the 11th at 11 am at the Korea Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Society Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the occasion of ‘Flu Vaccination Day’.
The association established Flu Vaccination Day on October 11, 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination. The association focuses on promoting the flu vaccine to the public each year through online promotions, health lectures, and related events. This year, public vaccination has been recommended to the public through radio public service announcements starting September 16th.
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. It presents with a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, chills, muscle pain, and headache, and in cases of chronic diseases such as asthma or heart disease, it can even lead to death.
It is known that 3 to 5 million critically ill patients occur worldwide each year, and approximately 10% of these patients die.
Coinciding with the long Chuseok holiday, the number of recent flu patients seems to be increasing. In particular, infections have been increasing, especially among elementary school students between the ages of 7 and 12, starting after school starts in September.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected flu patients (patients with suspected flu symptoms) has been steadily increasing for four consecutive weeks since the epidemic advisory was issued on the 15th of last month. From September, the proportion of suspected patients expanded from 11.3 → 13.1 → 17.3 → 20.8. An epidemic notification is issued when the number of flu patients per 1,000 people exceeds 6.5.
Free flu shots will be given consecutively by age, starting between 11 and 30 April next year, starting with those aged 65 and over. The first vaccination is for those aged 75 or over (born before December 31, 1948). There are approximately 20,000 vaccination medical facilities nationwide, and detailed locations can be found on the Vaccination Assistant website.
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