Seasonal Influenza Vaccination for 2024-2025 to Begin in September

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) ⁤has announced that the‌ national influenza vaccination program for the 2024-2025 season will begin on September 20th and run until April 30th next year.

The vaccination program will​ be ‌provided free of charge to⁤ high-risk groups, including children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged ⁣65 years and older. ‍These groups are at a ⁣higher risk of severe influenza ​infection and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

The vaccination schedule is as follows:

• Children who‌ need two doses: September 20th
• Children who need one dose and pregnant women: October 2nd
• Seniors⁤ aged ⁢65 and older: October 11th ⁤(sequential vaccinations by age group)

The‌ KDCA has procured ⁣11.7 million doses of the quadrivalent vaccine, which ‍includes all the ​vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This ensures that there will⁣ be sufficient vaccine supply for all eligible individuals.

Individuals who are not eligible for the ​national vaccination program can still get vaccinated at a medical institution for a fee. A list of ​designated medical institutions and public health centers can⁣ be found on the Vaccination ⁣Assistant website.

To ensure safe vaccination, individuals are required to bring a valid ID when visiting the vaccination facility. This‍ is to​ confirm the vaccination target and prevent incorrect vaccination.

This season,‍ the KDCA will introduce electronic vaccination forms ⁣to improve convenience for vaccination recipients. ⁣These ‍forms can be filled out in advance on the Vaccination Assistant website and must be ‍completed on the day‍ of vaccination.

Director Young-mi⁢ Jee​ of the KDCA emphasized the importance of influenza vaccination, stating that it is a highly effective means of ⁤reducing hospitalizations and deaths due to influenza. She strongly recommends that children, pregnant women, and seniors over 65 years of age get vaccinated in preparation for the winter season.

For more information​ on the ​national influenza vaccination ​program, including eligibility and vaccination schedules, please visit the Vaccination Assistant website.