BUSAN — An influenza outbreak that began earlier than usual is spreading quickly among infants and school-age children, prompting Busan to move up its free vaccination program. Starting this season, the city is expanding the age limit for state-funded child vaccinations to 14, focusing on breaking chains of infection in schools and homes.
Busan said on the 17th that it will offer free influenza vaccinations from the 21st through April 30 next year for children aged 6 months to 14 years, pregnant women and adults aged 65 and over.
The flu is spreading markedly faster than in previous years. Data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed that between Aug. 30 and Sept. 5, the number of suspected influenza cases stood at 25.3 per 1,000 outpatients, already above this season's epidemic threshold of 12.9. The agency issued a nationwide influenza advisory on Sept. 11.
Cases are surging particularly among school-age children. By age group, the rate of suspected cases was highest among those aged 7 to 12 at 75.1, followed by 49.8 for ages 1 to 6 and 31.3 for ages 13 to 18. The overall rate, which was just 7.5 four weeks earlier during Aug. 9-15, climbed steeply to 9.2, then 13.3 and 25.3.
The city is staggering vaccination periods by group to target both children, where transmission is highest, and older adults, who face a greater risk of severe illness. Starting this season, the age ceiling for the state child immunization program rises by one year, to 14 from 13. Adults aged 65 and over will be vaccinated in stages by age bracket to avoid crowding and safety incidents in the early days of the rollout.
Older adults are also advised to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. The two shots can be given on the same day at different injection sites. The city said participation by high-risk groups is important because influenza vaccination reduces not only infections but also the risk of hospitalization and death.
The city will also continue its own vaccination program for vulnerable residents who are not covered by the state immunization program. Free shots will be offered from Oct. 15 to recipients of livelihood and medical benefits, people with severe disabilities and those honored for national service.
This season's shots use a trivalent vaccine containing all strains recommended by the World Health Organization. Those eligible for free vaccination can receive shots at nearby designated clinics, which can be found through district public health centers or the government's vaccination information website.
Alongside raising vaccination rates, the city is pursuing early detection through schools and medical institutions. It is briefing the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education and the local daycare center association on the outbreak and prevention guidelines, and working with hospitals and related organizations to encourage early treatment for high-risk patients. Promotional materials are being distributed to sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen monitoring.
Residents were urged to follow basic respiratory hygiene measures, including handwashing, cough etiquette and indoor ventilation, in addition to getting vaccinated. "If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat, you should wear a mask, limit contact with others and seek medical care," said Cho Kyu-yul, director general of the city's Citizen Health Bureau. "It is especially important for infants and young children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and over, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic conditions to visit a medical institution early when symptoms appear."
