As concerns grow over the spread of respiratory infections like influenza and COVID-19 ahead of the Chuseok holiday, Gwangju Metropolitan City is implementing emergency health measures.
On the 21st, Gwangju officials announced that, in response to an increase in influenza-like illness cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations, they will enhance monitoring and vaccination efforts to ensure public safety during the holiday.
Recent surveillance data from outpatient clinics over the past five weeks shows a rise in the percentage of patients with influenza-like symptoms, alongside an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
This year, the influenza season has started earlier than usual. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a flu outbreak advisory on the 11th and has expedited the vaccination schedule for children and seniors.
Starting on the 21st, children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women can receive influenza vaccinations. The vaccination for children initially scheduled to begin on the 28th has been moved up to the 21st.
Vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older will be rolled out in phases: those aged 75 and older can start on October 6, those aged 70 to 74 on October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 15.
COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors and immunocompromised individuals, as well as residents of high-risk facilities, are set to begin on October 12.
Gwangju will operate an emergency response team from the 24th to the 27th, anticipating large-scale travel during the holiday. The team will continuously monitor the situation and maintain a rapid response system in case of any outbreaks. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has also urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, such as wearing masks and practicing proper cough etiquette, in light of increased travel and gatherings during Chuseok.
Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan Health and Welfare Bureau, stated, “With the vaccination schedule moved up, I hope everyone can get vaccinated on time without confusion. During the holiday, please follow personal hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing and cough etiquette.”
Meanwhile, designated medical institutions for national influenza vaccinations can be found on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's vaccination assistant website. It is advisable to check the availability of vaccines at specific facilities before visiting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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