Ulsan City has asked people aged 65 and older to get vaccinated at the same time to ensure their health during the winter. This is because the possibility of COVID-19 and **influenza (flu)** spreading together increases due to a decrease in immunity when the temperature drops significantly.
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[Korean Today] Panoramic view of Nam-gu Public Health Center in Ulsan Metropolitan City © Reporter Seungmin Hyun |
Seniors over 65 years of age have a relatively weak immune system, so they are at a higher risk of infection and are more likely to develop severe symptoms. Accordingly, Ulsan City is emphasizing that they should receive COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time, following the recommendations of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Simultaneous vaccination is considered the most effective way for the elderly and high-risk groups to maintain their health during the winter.
The need for a COVID-19 vaccine has already been proven. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the COVID-19 vaccine reduces the rate of severe symptoms by about 70% and plays a major role in preventing post-infection complications. However, since antibodies and the prevention effect of severe symptoms decrease over time after vaccination, additional vaccinations are required every year. The influenza vaccine also reduces the risk of infection by more than 40% and contributes to reducing hospitalization and mortality rates in the elderly.
Accordingly, Ulsan City has been conducting COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations through contracted medical institutions in the city since October 11. The free vaccination target is as follows:
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COVID-19 Vaccination :
- Seniors aged 65 or older
- Immunocompromised for more than 6 months
- Residents and workers at infection-vulnerable facilities
- Influenza vaccination :
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- Children aged 6 months to 13 years
- Pregnant woman
- Seniors aged 65 or older
In addition, citizens who are not eligible for free vaccination can receive vaccination at a hospital or clinic if they wish to be vaccinated. If you wish to be vaccinated, you can check whether vaccination is possible and which medical institution is available through the vaccination assistant website (nip.kdca.go.kr) or your local public health center.
Ulsan city officials emphasized, “COVID-19 and influenza are representative respiratory infectious diseases that can spread together during the winter,” and “In particular, seniors over 65 years of age are at high risk for severe symptoms, so we urge them to participate in simultaneous vaccination.”
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