Free flu vaccinations begin in South Korea

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized that the vaccination would dramatically reduce the chance of catching the flu.

Lee Seung-ku

Lee Seung-ku

The Korea Herald

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Thematic image only. PHOTO: AFP

September 23, 2025

SEOUL – South Korea began this year’s free flu vaccination program on Monday, offering free influenza vaccinations to children, pregnant women and the elderly — groups considered especially vulnerable to the virus.

Starting Monday, children aged between 6 months and 9, who have not yet been vaccinated or have only received the dose once, are eligible to receive the shot. They are required to receive two doses of the flu vaccine with a four-week interval between them.

Other children under 13 and pregnant women can get their doses starting Sept. 29, while the free vaccination program for those aged 65 and above is set to begin on Oct. 15.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized that the vaccination would dramatically reduce the chance of catching the flu.

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