The national vaccination program for influenza in preparation for this winter will begin next week. This year, the age limit for free vaccinations for children has been expanded from 13 to 14 years, allowing support for students up to the second year of middle school.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the national influenza vaccination program for 2026-2027 will run from September 21 to April 30, 2027. The free vaccination targets children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.
The first group to receive vaccinations will be children who require two doses and pregnant women.
Starting September 21, children aged 6 months to under 9 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time, those whose vaccination history is unknown, or those who have received only one dose by June 30, 2026, will be eligible for two doses. Pregnant women will also begin vaccinations on the same day.
On September 28, vaccinations for children requiring one dose will commence. This season, the age range for children eligible for national vaccination support has been expanded to include those from 6 months to 14 years old. Specifically, children born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2026, are eligible.
Seniors aged 65 and older will have a later start date for vaccinations. Those aged 75 and older can begin receiving vaccinations on October 12, followed by those aged 70-74 on October 15, and those aged 65-69 on October 19. The target group includes individuals born before December 31, 1961.
This year, a trivalent influenza vaccine containing all virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be used. Vaccinations can be received at designated medical institutions or public health centers nationwide, regardless of residence, but individuals should confirm the availability of vaccines at their chosen facility before visiting.
There are approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions across the country, and individuals can find nearby facilities through the vaccination assistance website.
Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older will also begin on October 12, following the same schedule. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends simultaneous vaccination for influenza and COVID-19.
The agency emphasized that influenza vaccinations are an effective means to reduce hospitalizations and deaths from flu among children, pregnant women, and seniors, urging active participation from the newly included 14-year-old school-age adolescents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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