South Korea begins seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will begin sequential national influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors starting next week. Due to an early rise in influenza cases, the vaccination schedule was adjusted to address the current outbreak trends.

For influenza, those aged 75 and older can begin vaccination on October 6, followed by those aged 70–74 on October 12, and those aged 65–69 on October 15. High-risk groups, such as the immunocompromised, may receive the vaccine starting October 6 after consulting with medical professionals.

COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors will follow a similar timeline, with those aged 70 and older starting October 12 and those aged 65–69 starting October 15. Immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older, as well as residents of infection-vulnerable facilities, are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination starting October 12 regardless of age.

At medical facilities that hold both vaccines, simultaneous administration of influenza and COVID-19 shots is possible starting October 6. Vaccinations can be administered at approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide, regardless of the recipient's registered address.