Gyeonggi-do Province Reports Rising Influenza cases, Urges Vaccination
gyeonggi-do Province is experiencing a surge in suspected influenza cases exceeding epidemic standards, prompting health officials too urge residents, especially the elderly, children, and pregnant women, to get vaccinated. The province began its national influenza vaccination program for the 2024-2025 season on September 22nd.
Influenza, a virus spread through respiratory droplets, is spreading rapidly, especially among those in group settings like daycare centers and schools. Data from the province shows a high prevalence in younger age groups: 81.1% of cases are among those aged 7 to 12, 49.5% among those aged 1 to 6, and 31.5% among those aged 13 to 18.
Eligible individuals for vaccination include children aged 6 months to 13 years (born between January 1, 2012 and August 31, 2024), pregnant women, and seniors over 65 years old (born before December 31, 1960). Health officials particularly recommend that individuals over 65 recieve both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
As of November 4th, approximately 1.55 million seniors (63.7% vaccination rate) and roughly 680,000 children (49.5% vaccination rate) in Gyeonggi-do have completed at least one dose of the influenza vaccine.
Vaccinations are available at designated consignment medical institutions and public health centers nationwide; confirmation of availability is advised before visiting.Data on nearby vaccination locations can be found on the Vaccination Assistant website.
“The incidence of suspected influenza cases in the province is higher than the epidemic standard, posing a threat to the health of the province’s residents,” said Yoo Young-cheol, director of the Provincial Health and Health Department. “We hope that the elderly, children, and pregnant women who have not yet received the vaccine will be vaccinated quickly to secure immunity before the winter epidemic.”
