[REVISION HISTORY]

South Korea influenza and COVID-19 vaccination trends

Updated 22 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-12 10:22 UTC → 2026-10-17 23:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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 ~~early~~ outbreak, the KDCA has ~~implemented a staged~~ expanded the national free influenza vaccination ~~program. Following~~ program for the ~~September 21 rollout~~ 2026-2027 season, increasing the age limit for ~~children and~~ free vaccinations from 13 to 14 years old to prevent spread among school-aged youth. The rollout includes children, pregnant women, ~~vaccinations for seniors are proceeding in stages: those aged 75~~ and ~~older began on October 6, followed by those aged 70–74 on October 12, and those aged 65–69 on October 15.~~ seniors.

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