CHANGWON — South Gyeongsang Province will begin offering free influenza vaccinations under the national immunization program for the 2026-2027 season on the 21st of this month. Starting this season, free shots for children will be available to those up to age 14, or born in 2012, up from the previous cutoff of 13.
The provincial government announced the plan on the 8th, saying the expansion is intended to prevent influenza infections among school-age children and adolescents and to curb the spread of the virus in schools and local communities.
Vaccinations will begin in stages by group. Children requiring two doses and pregnant women can receive shots starting the 21st, followed by children requiring a single dose from the 28th.
Start dates for people aged 65 and older vary by age group. Those 75 and older, born on or before December 31, 1951, can be vaccinated from October 12; those aged 70 to 74, born between January 1, 1952, and December 31, 1956, from October 15; and those aged 65 to 69, born between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1961, from October 19. All vaccinations will be available through April 30, 2027.
Eligible residents can receive free shots at any nearby designated medical institution or public health center, regardless of where they are registered as residents. Information on participating medical institutions and eligibility is available on the government's vaccination information website.
