South Korea will extend its free seasonal flu vaccination programme to children aged up to 14 this autumn, aiming to enhance community protection ahead of the 2026-27 influenza season.
South Korea will widen its free seasonal flu vaccination programme this autumn, with children aged up to 14 now eligible, as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency moves to extend coverage beyond the previous cut-off age of 13. According to the agency, the change is intended to help curb transmission among school-age children and strengthen wider community protection as the 2026-27 influenza season approaches.
The free programme will run from 21 September 2026 to 30 April 2027. Children who need two doses, along with pregnant women, may begin vaccinations on 21 September, while children needing a single dose can start on 28 September. Vaccinations for older adults will begin on 12 October, starting with people aged 75 and over before moving through the remaining age groups in stages.
The agency said the campaign will use a trivalent vaccine, which includes the virus strains recommended by the World Health Organisation. About 23,000 designated hospitals and public health centres across the country will provide the shots free of charge, regardless of where recipients live. Those outside the national programme can still be vaccinated at private medical facilities for a fee, and some local governments may offer extra financial support through their own schemes.
KDCA chief Im Seung-kwan said flu vaccination remains an effective way to reduce hospitalisations and deaths among children, pregnant women and older people. He urged parents and guardians to make sure eligible children and teenagers are vaccinated on schedule, noting that the expanded age limit now includes adolescents in school settings who can play a significant role in spreading the virus.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
