This winter, the age range for children eligible for free flu vaccinations will expand. Children aged 14, who were excluded from the national vaccination program last year, will now be included starting this year.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on September 3, the "2026-2027 Influenza National Vaccination Program" will begin sequentially on September 21. The program targets children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.
The most significant change this year is the expanded age range for children. Previously, the national vaccination program covered children from 6 months to 13 years old. This year, the age limit will increase to 14 years, specifically for children born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2026. The KDCA stated that the expansion aims to prevent the spread of influenza among school-aged children and enhance community protection.
The start date for vaccinations varies based on the number of doses required. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have never received a flu shot or have only received one dose in the past will be eligible for two doses starting September 21. Other children who require only one dose can begin receiving free vaccinations on September 28. Vaccinations for children will continue until April 30 of next year.
Pregnant women will also be able to receive free vaccinations from September 21 until April 30 of next year.
For seniors aged 65 and older, the start dates for vaccinations will vary by age group: those aged 75 and older can begin on October 12, those aged 70 to 74 on October 15, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 19. A COVID-19 vaccination will also be offered to seniors on the same schedule, and the KDCA recommends simultaneous vaccination for both flu and COVID-19.
The national vaccination program will utilize a trivalent influenza vaccine that includes strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Eligible individuals can receive free vaccinations at approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide, regardless of their residence. Information on nearby vaccination sites can be found on the KDCA's vaccination assistance website.
The KDCA emphasized that flu vaccinations are an effective means to reduce hospitalizations and deaths from influenza among children, pregnant women, and seniors, and urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated according to the schedule.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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