This year's influenza (flu) advisory was issued about two months earlier than last year, and the disease control authorities urged people to get vaccinated promptly. In particular, the agency urged those eligible for the national immunization program, including children, pregnant women, and older adults, to get vaccinated before the season takes off in earnest.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 27th, as of the 24th, a total of 6.33 million people have received flu shots. Among them, 4.85 million are adults 65 and older, with 44.6% of that age group vaccinated. For children ages 6 months to 13 years, 1.38 million have been vaccinated, a rate of 29.5%.
The agency is currently providing free flu vaccines to children ages 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and adults 65 and older. Vaccinations for children began on the 22nd of last month, and for pregnant women on the 29th of last month. For adults 65 and older, co-administration with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine has been underway since the 15th of this month.
Vaccinations are available at nearby designated medical institutions or public health centers regardless of one's registered address. Vaccination sites can be checked on the "Immunization Helper" website.
Earlier, the agency issued a nationwide flu advisory at midnight on the 17th. In week 40 of this year (Sept. 28–Oct. 4), the number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients at 298 sentinel clinics was 12.1, exceeding the epidemic threshold of 9.1 per 1,000.
However, in week 42 (Oct. 12–18), suspected flu cases fell to 7.9 per 1,000, showing a temporary lull. The agency said, "It appears the reduced in-person contact among school-age children and adolescents during the Chuseok holiday period had a significant impact."
Still, with temperatures dropping sharply recently and the detection rate of flu viruses among patients with respiratory symptoms in week 42 remaining high at 7.5%, the analysis is that case numbers are likely to rise going forward. This is slightly higher than week 40, when the advisory was issued (7.1%).
Im Seung-gwan, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "This year, the flu season is starting faster than last year," and urged, "Children, pregnant women, and older adults who have not yet been vaccinated should make sure to get vaccinated before it is too late."