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Busan Metropolitan City Launches Free Influenza Vaccinations, Strengthening Response to Early Outbreak

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will provide free influenza vaccinations for the 2026–2027 season from September 21 through April 30, 2027, in response to an influenza outbreak that began earlier than usual.

Eligible recipients are children aged 6 months through 14 years, pregnant women, and adults aged 65 and older. Beginning this season, the age limit for children covered under the National Immunization Program will be expanded from 13 to 14 in order to curb the spread of influenza among school-age children and adolescents and provide greater access to vaccination.

In 2026, influenza cases have been increasing earlier than in previous years, with particularly rapid spread among infants, young children, and school-age groups.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide influenza epidemic advisory effective at midnight on September 11 after the proportion of influenza-like illness cases in the 36th week of 2026, from August 30 to September 5, reached 25.3 per 1,000 outpatients, exceeding this season’s epidemic threshold of 12.9.

The proportion of influenza-like illness cases refers to the number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients, defined as patients with a fever of 38°C or higher accompanied by a cough or sore throat. Over the most recent four weeks, the rate rose from 7.5 in week 33 to 9.2 in week 34, 13.3 in week 35, and 25.3 in week 36.

By age group, the rate was highest among children aged 7 to 12 at 75.1 per 1,000 outpatients, followed by children aged 1 to 6 at 49.8 and those aged 13 to 18 at 31.3.

Accordingly, Busan Metropolitan City plans to encourage vaccination among children, among whom infections are increasing rapidly, while also focusing on protecting high-risk groups, including adults aged 65 and older who face a greater risk of severe illness.

Vaccinations will be provided in stages by group, taking into account factors such as the number of doses required for children and the age of older adults. For adults aged 65 and older, vaccinations will begin on different dates by age group to prevent crowding and safety incidents during the initial vaccination period.

Adults aged 65 and older are also advised to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. The two vaccines may be administered on the same day at different injection sites.

Because influenza vaccination is an effective preventive measure that helps prevent infection and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, active participation in vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups, including older adults.

In addition to those covered by the National Immunization Program, Busan Metropolitan City will launch its own free vaccination program on October 15 for socially protected groups, including recipients of livelihood or medical benefits, persons with severe disabilities, and persons of national merit.

This season, a trivalent vaccine containing all strains recommended by the World Health Organization will be used. Those eligible for free vaccination may receive it at a nearby contracted medical institution. Participating institutions can be found through the relevant public health center or the Immunization Assistance website at nip.kdca.go.kr under Immunization Management and Find a Contracted Medical Institution.

For safe vaccination, Busan Metropolitan City advises recipients to check their health condition before vaccination and remain at the medical institution for 20 to 30 minutes afterward to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Busan Metropolitan City will also provide guidance to education and childcare institutions, strengthen cooperation with medical institutions, conduct sentinel surveillance, and carry out public awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of influenza and protect high-risk groups.

The city will inform educational and childcare organizations, including the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education and childcare center associations, about the current outbreak and preventive measures. It will also work with medical institutions and related organizations to actively promote early medical care and vaccination for high-risk groups. In addition, preventive guidance materials and banners will be distributed to sentinel surveillance institutions to strengthen both public awareness among visitors and the influenza surveillance system.

Residents should make basic respiratory infection prevention practices part of their daily routines in addition to receiving vaccinations, including washing their hands, observing proper cough etiquette, and ventilating indoor spaces.

People experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat should wear a mask, reduce contact with others, and seek medical care. High-risk groups, including children, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic diseases, should seek medical attention promptly when symptoms appear.

Jo Gyu-yul, Director General of the Citizen Health Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “This year, the influenza outbreak began earlier than usual and is increasing rapidly among infants, young children, and school-age children, making vaccination and the practice of personal preventive measures more important than ever. We encourage all eligible residents to receive their vaccinations according to the schedule. Busan Metropolitan City will work closely with relevant organizations to monitor community transmission and strengthen public awareness of preventive measures, making every effort to prevent the further spread of influenza.”