South Korea expands free flu shots to 14-year-olds from Sept. 21

South Korea is expanding its national influenza vaccination program to include children up to age 14, offering free shots starting September 21. This move aims to combat a recent surge in flu cases, particularly among school-aged children, which has reached its highest level in a decade.

The expanded program, running until April 30, 2027, now covers children born in 2012 and later. Previously, the free vaccination was limited to children up to age 13. The Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) hopes this will prevent outbreaks in schools and enhance herd immunity.

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Influenza vaccination is a highly effective means of reducing hospitalizations and deaths from influenza and lowering the disease burden for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Vaccinations for children requiring two doses and pregnant women begin on September 21. Those needing one dose can get vaccinated from September 28. Elderly citizens will also be prioritized, with those aged 75 and older eligible from October 12, followed by 70-74 year olds from October 15, and those 65 and older from October 19.

The KDCA recommends simultaneous vaccination against both influenza and COVID-19 for individuals aged 65 and older, with COVID-19 vaccinations also starting on October 12. The flu shots will utilize a trivalent vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization and will be administered at around 23,000 designated clinics nationwide. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccinations on schedule.

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As the influenza national vaccination support target has been expanded to age 14 starting this season, we ask for parents' interest and participation so that children and adolescents in the relevant school age can get vaccinated according to the schedule.