Daegu Urges Vaccination as Influenza Spreads Earlier Than Usual

Influenza is spreading earlier than usual in Daegu, prompting city health officials to urge residents to arrange vaccination and follow respiratory infection precautions. National sentinel surveillance recorded 32.3 suspected influenza cases per 1,000 outpatients in the 38th week of 2026, covering September 13 to 19. That was about 2.5 times the seasonal epidemic threshold of 12.9 and roughly four times the 8.0 recorded during the same period a year earlier.

The rise has been most pronounced among children and school-age residents. The suspected-case rate reached 77.7 per 1,000 outpatients among children aged 7 to 12, followed by 58.0 among those aged 1 to 6 and 41.1 among teenagers aged 13 to 18. Schools, childcare centers and other shared facilities are therefore being asked to monitor symptoms and reinforce personal hygiene.

Daegu is providing free influenza vaccination for children, pregnant people and residents aged 65 or older. Vaccination for children and pregnant people began September 21, while eligibility for older residents is being phased in: people aged 75 or older from October 6, those aged 70 to 74 from October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 from October 15.

Free vaccination expands by age and eligibility

A separate city program will begin October 26 for residents aged 15 to 64 with severe disabilities classified in grades 1 to 3, as well as people living in care facilities. Eligible residents should check the schedule for their age or program category and seek vaccination at the appropriate time.

Vaccination should be combined with everyday precautions. Daegu advises washing hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, ventilating indoor spaces regularly and wearing a mask when respiratory symptoms appear. Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care.