SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Free flu shots will be available starting next week, as influenza cases rise sharply nearly a month earlier than usual, along with a resurgence of coronavirus infections, which have become a seasonal illness.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday, the first round of flu shots will be available to children and pregnant women starting from Sept. 21. Children aged 6 months to under 9 who are receiving their flu shot for the first time must get two doses at least four weeks apart. Vaccinations for older adults will begin in October and run through April next year.
The early vaccinations come as flu cases are rising sharply across the country. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the rate of influenza-like illness reached 25.3 cases per 1,000 outpatients in the first week of September, more than three times the rate of 6.6 cases seen during the same period last year.
More children will be eligible for free flu shots this year, as the age limit was extended from those up to age 13 to those up to age 14, meaning children aged 6 months to 14 years, those born between Jan. 1, 2012 and Aug. 31, 2026 will be included.
Those aged 75 and above can get their flu shots from Oct. 12, followed by people aged 70 to 74 on Oct. 15 and those aged 65 to 69 on Oct. 19.
They can also receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, protecting them against both respiratory illnesses in a single visit to a local clinic.
As respiratory infections continue to spread, the city government urged residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and keep indoor spaces well ventilated.
People who develop a fever or respiratory symptoms are also advised to visit a hospital promptly.
"Influenza infections are rising at unusually high levels," said Jo Young-chang, a city official, urging eligible residents to get their shots without delay during their scheduled vaccination period.
AJP Takeaways
- Free flu shots in Seoul will begin Sept. 21, 2026, with vaccinations initially available to children who require two doses and pregnant women. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years receiving the vaccine for the first time must receive two doses at least four weeks apart.
- South Korea's influenza activity has risen sharply ahead of the usual season. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recorded 25.3 influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2026, more than three times the 6.6 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
- Free influenza vaccination coverage has expanded to children up to age 14, while vaccinations for older adults will begin in stages: Oct. 12 for those 75 and older, Oct. 15 for ages 70-74, and Oct. 19 for ages 65-69. Eligible older adults can receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday, the first round of flu shots will be available to children and pregnant women starting from Sept. 21. Children aged 6 months to under 9 who are receiving their flu shot for the first time must get two doses at least four weeks apart. Vaccinations for older adults will begin in October and run through April next year.
The early vaccinations come as flu cases are rising sharply across the country. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the rate of influenza-like illness reached 25.3 cases per 1,000 outpatients in the first week of September, more than three times the rate of 6.6 cases seen during the same period last year.
More children will be eligible for free flu shots this year, as the age limit was extended from those up to age 13 to those up to age 14, meaning children aged 6 months to 14 years, those born between Jan. 1, 2012 and Aug. 31, 2026 will be included.
Those aged 75 and above can get their flu shots from Oct. 12, followed by people aged 70 to 74 on Oct. 15 and those aged 65 to 69 on Oct. 19.
They can also receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, protecting them against both respiratory illnesses in a single visit to a local clinic.
As respiratory infections continue to spread, the city government urged residents to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and keep indoor spaces well ventilated.
People who develop a fever or respiratory symptoms are also advised to visit a hospital promptly.
"Influenza infections are rising at unusually high levels," said Jo Young-chang, a city official, urging eligible residents to get their shots without delay during their scheduled vaccination period.
AJP Takeaways
- Free flu shots in Seoul will begin Sept. 21, 2026, with vaccinations initially available to children who require two doses and pregnant women. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years receiving the vaccine for the first time must receive two doses at least four weeks apart.
- South Korea's influenza activity has risen sharply ahead of the usual season. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recorded 25.3 influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2026, more than three times the 6.6 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
- Free influenza vaccination coverage has expanded to children up to age 14, while vaccinations for older adults will begin in stages: Oct. 12 for those 75 and older, Oct. 15 for ages 70-74, and Oct. 19 for ages 65-69. Eligible older adults can receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit.
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