South Korea transitions COVID-19 vaccines to essential immunization status

South Korea is transitioning COVID-19 vaccinations from temporary measures to a regular essential immunization program. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced the 2026–2027 plan, noting that COVID-19 has become a seasonal infectious disease with high risks of severe illness and death among the elderly.

Free vaccinations will be provided to individuals aged 65 and older, immunocompromised persons, and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals. High-risk groups will receive one dose annually, while immunocompromised individuals will receive two. The policy aims to address the emergence of new variants and the potential for a ‘twindemic’ involving both COVID-19 and influenza.

In conjunction with these national changes, local governments like Boryeong City are expanding their own support. Boryeong City has announced it will provide free influenza vaccinations to all its citizens, including those aged 15 to 64, using its own budget to bolster community immunity. Vaccination schedules for various age groups in Boryeong are set to begin in late September and continue through October.