Flu patients up 3.8 times compared with last year... Seoul Metropolitan Government to offer free vaccinations starting on the 21st

[Financial News] With suspected flu cases rising to 3.8 times the level recorded during the same period last year, signaling an early outbreak, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will begin offering free vaccinations on the 21st. In particular, as the proportion of suspected flu cases among children aged 7 to 12 is the highest of all age groups, the city urged residents to follow preventive measures, including vaccination and mask-wearing.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 14th that it will provide free influenza vaccinations for the 2026–2027 season to children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older from the 21st through April 30 of next year.
According to sample surveillance results from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of suspected influenza cases per 1,000 outpatients visiting clinics during the 36th week of this year (August 30–September 5) was 25.3. This was 3.8 times the 6.6 cases recorded during the same period last year. Compared with 13.3 cases the previous week, the figure increased by 90.2% in just one week.
The number of suspected flu cases has risen for five consecutive weeks. The number of suspected cases per 1,000 outpatients increased from 7.0 in week 32 to 7.5 in week 33, 9.2 in week 34, 13.3 in week 35, and 25.3 in week 36.
The influenza outbreak is particularly pronounced among children. In week 36, the number of suspected influenza cases among children aged 7 to 12 was 75.1 per 1,000 outpatients, the highest of all age groups. The figure for children aged 1 to 6 was also high, at 49.8.
Vaccinations will begin on the 21st, starting with pregnant women and children who require two doses of the flu vaccine. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or have an insufficient vaccination history will receive two doses at least four weeks apart. Children who require only one dose can begin vaccination on the 28th.
Starting this year, eligibility for the national childhood immunization program will be expanded from children up to age 13 to children up to age 14. Accordingly, children aged 6 months to 14 years can receive free flu vaccinations.
Seniors aged 65 and older will be vaccinated in stages according to age. Those aged 75 and older can receive vaccinations starting October 12, those aged 70 to 74 starting October 15, and those aged 65 to 69 starting October 19. Eligible seniors can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines during a single visit to a medical institution.
Seniors aged 65 and older who are hospitalized or residing in nursing hospitals or nursing facilities can receive the vaccine as soon as it is supplied after the 21st, regardless of the age-based schedule, to prevent cluster infections, severe illness, and death.
Those eligible for free vaccination can receive it at a nearby designated contracted medical institution regardless of their address. However, because vaccine supplies and vaccination availability vary by institution, they should check whether vaccination is available before visiting.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government also urged residents to follow basic preventive measures, including wearing masks, to prevent the spread of influenza. In particular, it strongly recommends mask-wearing at facilities vulnerable to infection, such as nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, as well as at schools and daycare centers. The city plans to advise students and infants with fever or respiratory symptoms to refrain from attending school or daycare and to seek necessary medical care.
Cho Young-chang, Director-General of the Citizens' Health Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "As influenza activity is increasing at a higher level than in previous years, I hope citizens eligible for vaccination will check the schedule and get vaccinated at the appropriate time," adding, "Please also actively follow basic preventive measures, such as wearing masks in crowded places."
[email protected] Seongchorong Reporter