CHANGWON — South Gyeongsang Province is moving up its schedule of free influenza vaccinations for high-risk groups as the flu season arrives earlier than usual. Children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women can get free shots from Sept. 21, while people aged 65 and older will be vaccinated in stages from Oct. 6.
The province and the Gyeongnam Institute of Health and Environment said on the 17th that the influenza virus detection rate reached 25.4% in September, based on an analysis of respiratory specimens collected at six partner clinics in the province.
The detection rate hovered around 20% from January through March this year before falling below 5% between April and August. It then climbed back to 25.4% in September. The virus types have also shifted. In January and February, A(H3N2) and B strains were detected most often, but all viruses identified since August have been confirmed as A(H1N1)pdm09.
In response, the province is starting free vaccinations for high-risk groups in phases. Children and pregnant women can be vaccinated from Sept. 21 at designated medical institutions nationwide and at public health centers. The age limit for free vaccinations for children has been raised to 14, from 13 previously, covering those born in 2012.
People aged 65 and older are divided by age group. Those 75 and older can be vaccinated from Oct. 6, those aged 70 to 74 from Oct. 12, and those aged 65 to 69 from Oct. 15. From Oct. 12, people 65 and older can receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Provincial health authorities urged residents to complete their shots on schedule ahead of the Chuseok holiday and the winter months, when travel and gatherings increase, noting that antibodies take about two weeks to develop after vaccination.
As part of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's national surveillance program, the institute collects specimens each week from patients with respiratory symptoms at six partner clinics in the province and tests for nine acute respiratory viruses, including influenza. The institute said it expects more use of crowded facilities such as train stations, bus terminals and highway rest areas, along with more gatherings, during the Chuseok holiday running from Sept. 24 to 27, and stressed that caution is needed for anyone with respiratory symptoms.
"Results from the acute respiratory surveillance program led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency show that the influenza virus detection rate in the province has risen sharply since the start of September," said Yeo Young-hee, head of the infectious disease research department at the Gyeongnam Institute of Health and Environment. "Many people travel and gather during the Chuseok holiday, so we ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms refrain from going out or attending gatherings and follow personal hygiene rules."
