Jemulpo-gu District (Mayor Kim Chan-jin) in Incheon announced that it will provide free influenza vaccinations to all residents starting Oct. 22 at 50 designated medical institutions within the district. The key feature of this year's program is the expansion of eligibility to include residents aged 15 to 64 — previously excluded from free vaccinations — as well as foreign residents registered with alien registration cards in Jemulpo-gu.
 [The Korean Today] Jemulpo-gu District's free influenza vaccination program for all residents © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
Previously, only children and adolescents aged six months to 14 years, along with senior citizens aged 65 and older, were classified as eligible for the national free vaccination program. The district has now expanded support to cover the 15-to-64 age group that had fallen in between.
The district explained that the program was designed to protect the health of all residents, regardless of nationality, and to curb the spread of influenza. The aim is to improve accessibility so that no resident misses the appropriate vaccination window due to financial burden or lack of information.
Vaccinations will begin sequentially from Oct. 22 according to a schedule set by age group and eligibility category. Residents wishing to be vaccinated should bring identification along with a copy of their resident registration (either paper or electronic) issued within the past month, and visit one of the 50 designated medical institutions in the district.
"Since anyone can contract influenza, it is important to protect not only one's own health but also the health of family and neighbors through vaccination," said Jemulpo-gu District Mayor Kim Chan-jin. "Through this free vaccination program for all residents, we will actively support residents so they can be vaccinated without financial burden."
The measure is expected to ease the burden on working-age residents who previously had to pay for vaccinations out of pocket. The district anticipates that the expanded eligibility will lead to greater infectious disease prevention effects across the community.
[ Reporter Kim Mi-hee: incheonsouth@thekoreantoday.com ]
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