Incheon Expands Free Flu Vaccination to Children up to Age 14

In preparation for a simultaneous outbreak of influenza and COVID-19 this winter, the city of Incheon is raising the upper age limit for free vaccination from 13 to 14 and will begin offering shots to eligible groups starting Sept. 21. With an influenza advisory issued earlier than in previous years, the measure aims to curb the spread of infectious disease through the early vaccination of children, pregnant women and older adults.

[코리안투데이] Guidance on Incheon’s free influenza vaccination program © 장형임 기자

The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Chan-dae) announced that it will roll out free influenza vaccinations for 2026 in stages beginning Sept. 21, starting with children aged six months and older and pregnant women. Eligibility will then broaden to adults aged 75 and older on Oct. 6, those aged 70 to 74 on Oct. 12, and those aged 65 to 69 on Oct. 15.

This year’s influenza advisory was issued earlier than usual. In response, the city raised the upper age limit for free childhood vaccination from 13 to 14 in order to more firmly protect children and adolescents, among whom the virus tends to spread more quickly. Though it is only a one-year difference, adding this school-age group — which spends time in group settings — to the vaccination range is intended to break the chain of transmission to schools and homes and to strengthen herd immunity.

Notably, from Oct. 12 the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at the same time. A single visit to a medical facility will allow protection against both respiratory infections, which is expected to ease the burden on vulnerable groups such as older adults with limited mobility.

Vaccinations are available at designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide, regardless of the recipient’s registered address. Eligible facilities can be found on the vaccination helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr), and visitors must bring photo identification to verify their identity.

For a safe vaccination, recipients should visit a medical facility on a day when they are in good health, and after the shot it is advisable to remain at the facility for 20 to 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions before returning home to rest sufficiently.

Kim Min-jeong, director general of the city’s Health and Welfare Bureau, urged residents to take part actively, saying, ‘Because this year’s influenza outbreak has started early, I ask that everyone get vaccinated in line with the schedule for their age group. In particular, I recommend that older adults with weaker immunity receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines together, and I hope everyone will also follow everyday infection-prevention measures such as proper handwashing and cough etiquette to enjoy a healthy winter.’

지역 홍보대사 신청 기자양성과정 신청 코리안투데이 지부장 신청 코리안투데이 인천강화

This code contains the original Korean article.

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