South Korea will begin parts of its national influenza vaccination program earlier after an unusually early rise in flu activity, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said. The agency said the adjustment follows an influenza warning issued on September 11 and is aimed at reducing risk for children and older adults.
Earlier dates for each age group
Children who need one dose can begin vaccination on September 21 instead of September 28. All children aged six months through 14 years and pregnant people can begin on September 21 regardless of the number of doses they need, according to the KDCA release.
The schedule for older adults starts with people aged 75 and over on October 6, followed by those aged 70 to 74 on October 12 and those aged 65 to 69 on October 15. The dates are three to six days earlier than previously planned. People with weakened immune systems may consult medical staff and begin from October 6.
The agency said the early timing reflects rising illness among school-age children and a high share of hospital admissions among people aged 65 and older. It also said about 12.33 million doses have been secured for the national program, while supply conditions for private vaccinations are less comfortable than in a typical year.
Care homes and nursing facilities may begin vaccination whenever supplies arrive because their residents face a higher risk of group infections. The revised calendar gives households and providers a clearer start date, while the KDCA continues to monitor supply and local readiness.