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19 clusters · 39 sources · 52 days · First seen · Last updated
South Korea influenza and COVID-19 vaccination trends
Overview
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has issued an influenza epidemic alert following a significant surge in cases. By the 37th week of the year, the rate of influenza-like illness reached 31.0 per 1,000 people, approximately 4.6 times higher than the same period last year. The outbreak is particularly pronounced among elementary school students aged 7 to 12, who recorded a rate of 79.6 per 1,000. Concerns regarding a ‘twindemic’ persist as COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for six consecutive weeks. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has warned of the simultaneous rise in both infections and is urging the government to monitor the supply and distribution of vaccines and treatments to ensure stability. By the 38th week, the influenza-like illness rate increased to 32.3 per 1,000 people. In September, the influenza virus detection rate reached 25.4%, surpassing typical mid-winter peak levels. The Korean Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital Association has issued an urgent call for government intervention due to a severe shortage of pediatric influenza treatments, noting that many liquid products have not been manufactured this year. Recent data indicates that influenza cases are rising earlier than usual, with patient numbers increasing from late August—three weeks earlier than the previous year. The currently circulating strain has been identified as Type A (H1N1). Surveillance from the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment shows the rate of suspected influenza patients is approximately 3.7 to 4 times higher than the same period last year. To address the outbreak, the KDCA has expanded the national free influenza vaccination program for the 2026-2027 season, increasing the age limit for free vaccinations from 13 to 14 years old to prevent spread among school-aged youth. The rollout includes children, pregnant women, and seniors.
Entities
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency · South Korea · World Health Organization · Seocheon-gun · Korean Pediatric Association
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued an influenza advisory for the 2026-27 season on September 11.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The age range for free influenza vaccination for children has been expanded from 6 months to 13 years to 6 months to 14 years.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] National influenza vaccinations for children, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and older will be implemented from September 21 to April 30, 2027.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] COVID-19 vaccinations have transitioned from a temporary system to a sustainable essential vaccination system similar to influenza.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Vaccination for those aged 65 and older will begin sequentially by age group starting October 6.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Influenza vaccination in seniors aged 65 and older is known to reduce the risk of hospitalization by 50-60% and death by approximately 80%.
Timeline
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesGangdong-gu launches influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
Gangdong-gu, Seoul, has begun its 2026–2027 influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign for children, seniors, pregnant women, and vulnerable residents.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea begins seasonal influenza vaccination programs
South Korean health institutions and hospitals have begun influenza vaccination campaigns, offering free shots to seniors and high-risk groups to combat an early seasonal outbreak.
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[HEALTH] 3 sourcesSouth Korea begins early influenza vaccinations amid rising H1N1 cases
South Korea is seeing an early influenza outbreak, with H1N1 cases rising faster than last year. Free vaccinations for seniors will begin in stages starting October 6.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea begins seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors
South Korea will begin sequential influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors starting October 6, following an early rise in flu cases.
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[HEALTH] 6 sourcesSouth Korea begins seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
South Korea is launching sequential national influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors and high-risk groups starting in early October to combat an early rise in flu cases.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea faces shortage of pediatric influenza treatments
South Korea faces a shortage of pediatric influenza liquid medicines as cases surge, prompting calls for a dedicated supply management system to protect young children from complications.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea faces early influenza outbreak with rising cases
South Korea is facing an unusually early influenza outbreak, with suspected cases rising for eight weeks to four times last year's levels. Health authorities have issued an early epidemic advisory.
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[HEALTH] 4 sourcesInfluenza surges reported in South Korea and Australia
South Korea and Australia report unusual influenza surges, with South Korea seeing September detection rates that exceed typical winter peaks and Australia experiencing a 27.2% rise in recent weeks.
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[HEALTH] 13 sourcesSouth Korea begins early national influenza vaccination program
South Korea has begun its national influenza vaccination program earlier than usual due to a surge in cases, targeting children, pregnant women, and seniors to prevent severe complications.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSeongnam and Iksan launch free flu vaccination programs
South Korean cities Seongnam and Iksan are launching free influenza vaccination programs starting September 21 to address a national flu advisory, with staggered schedules for different age groups.
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[HEALTH] 4 sourcesGangseo-gu launches free influenza vaccination program
Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is starting free influenza vaccinations on September 21, expanding child eligibility to age 14 to combat rising infection risks.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea faces influenza vaccine shortage amid early outbreaks
South Korea faces influenza vaccine shortages due to early outbreaks and supply delays, prompting hospitals to use emergency contracts and medical associations to call for stock transfer policies.
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[HEALTH] 5 sourcesKorean Medical Association warns of rising COVID-19 and influenza
The Korean Medical Association warns of a simultaneous rise in COVID-19 and influenza, urging the government to ensure stable vaccine and treatment supplies as cases increase among children and high-risk groups
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[HEALTH] 5 sourcesSouth Korea expands free influenza vaccination eligibility
South Korea is expanding free influenza vaccinations to include children up to age 14. Rollout begins September 21, with staggered schedules for seniors and local support for older students in certain regions.
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[HEALTH] 2 sourcesSouth Korea transitions COVID-19 vaccines to essential immunization status
South Korea is transitioning COVID-19 vaccinations to a regular essential immunization program for high-risk groups, while local municipalities like Boryeong expand free flu shot access for all citizens.
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[HEALTH] 11 sourcesSouth Korea faces rising influenza and COVID-19 cases
South Korea faces a simultaneous rise in influenza and COVID-19, prompting a nationwide free vaccination rollout starting September 21 and raising concerns over insufficient national antiviral stockpiles.
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[HEALTH] 11 sourcesSouth Korea issues influenza epidemic alert amid rising COVID-19 cases
South Korea has issued an influenza epidemic alert as cases surge earlier than usual, raising concerns about a simultaneous rise in COVID-19 infections, or ‘twindemic,’ especially among children.
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[HEALTH] 3 sourcesSouth Korea launches national influenza vaccination program
South Korea has launched its national influenza vaccination program amid a surge in cases, with schedules staggered for children, pregnant women, and seniors to prevent respiratory complications.
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[HEALTH] 6 sourcesSouth Korea expands free influenza vaccination to 14-year-olds
South Korea is expanding its free influenza vaccination program to include 14-year-olds. The rollout begins September 21, targeting children, pregnant women, and seniors to curb seasonal virus spread.
Sources
biz.heraldcorp.com · bjynews.com · bokuennews.com · bosa.co.kr · communitynews.com.au · cunews.net · ebaekje.co.kr · english.hani.co.kr · gjn.kr · gjon.com · healthfocus.co.kr · hidomin.com · hin.company · homernews.com · idsn.co.kr · imaeil.com · inews365.com · jejusori.net · jnilbo.com · joongboo.com · kgdm.co.kr · kormedi.com · kyeonggi.com · localsegye.co.kr · m.imaeil.com · m.sportalkorea.com · mbn.mk.co.kr · namdonews.com · news.donga.com · newstomato.com · peninsulaclarion.com · sateconomy.co.kr · seoul.co.kr · sisajournal.com · sportschosun.com · ujnews.kr · womannews.net · womennews.co.kr · world-today-journal.com
This summary has been updated 22 times: see revision history