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Busan Extends Free COVID-19 Vaccination for High-Risk Groups Until June 30

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Park Heong-joon, announced that it will extend the free COVID-19 vaccination period for the 2025–2026 season until June 30, in consideration of a potential summer resurgence and the relatively low vaccination rate among high-risk groups.

COVID-19 has shown increased incidence during the summer in recent years (2023–2025), regardless of season. Considering that it takes approximately four weeks after vaccination for sufficient immunity to develop, early vaccination is strongly recommended.

In addition, the proportion of recently detected COVID-19 variants, including BA.3.2, has been increasing domestically. Although these variants are not currently assessed to have large-scale transmissibility, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency indicate that existing vaccines remain effective against them and recommend vaccination for high-risk groups.

Eligible recipients for free COVID-19 vaccination include seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged 6 months and above, and residents of high-risk facilities.

As of April 21, 2026, the vaccination rate among high-risk groups in Busan for the 2025–2026 season stands at 40.1%, lower than the national average of 42.7%. Approximately six out of ten individuals in high-risk groups remain unvaccinated, highlighting the need for more active participation in vaccination.

Even among immunocompromised individuals who have already received the seasonal vaccine, additional vaccination may be necessary due to potential difficulty in forming adequate immunity. From May 1, one additional dose may be administered following consultation with medical professionals.

According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines continue to be verified through both domestic and international reviews.

As of March 24, 2026, the adverse event reporting rate for the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine stands at 0.003%, a decrease from 0.005% in the previous season. Most reported adverse events are mild, such as injection site pain or muscle aches.

Furthermore, evaluation results for the 2024–2025 season confirmed that vaccination reduces hospitalization by 44.8% and progression to severe illness by 42.6%, demonstrating continued effectiveness in preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19.

Designated vaccination clinics may vary depending on vaccine availability. Individuals are advised to confirm availability by phone before visiting. Information on participating medical institutions can be found on the vaccination assistance website at https://nip.kdca.go.kr or by contacting local public health centers.

Busan Metropolitan City also urged citizens to follow daily preventive measures against respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

When coughing, individuals should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve and wash their hands afterward. Hands should be washed with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds after returning from outside, before and after meals, and after coughing or sneezing.

Citizens are also advised to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to ventilate indoor spaces for at least 10 minutes every two hours, and to wear a mask and seek appropriate medical care if symptoms such as fever or respiratory issues are present.

Cho Gyu-yul, Director General of the Citizen Health Bureau, stated, “In light of the possibility of a summer resurgence of COVID-19, we will continue to monitor vaccination status and strengthen outreach and promotion efforts targeting unvaccinated individuals to increase participation among high-risk groups. We urge seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and residents of high-risk facilities to actively participate in vaccination to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19.”