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Busan Metropolitan City Launches Free COVID-19 Vaccinations for the 2026–2027 Season

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2026–2027 season from October 12 through June 30, 2027, to protect people at high risk of severe COVID-19.

The vaccination campaign comes as both influenza and COVID-19 cases have recently increased and is intended to prevent severe illness and hospitalization among high-risk groups.

Over the past four weeks, from epidemiological weeks 35 to 38, the number of hospitalized patients at hospital-level medical institutions rose from 166 to 436 for influenza, an increase of approximately 2.6 times, and from 115 to 327 for COVID-19, an increase of approximately 2.8 times.

Because both infectious diseases can lead to severe illness, particularly among older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and other high-risk groups, eligible individuals are encouraged to receive their vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.

Beginning this season, COVID-19 vaccination will transition from the existing temporary immunization program to the routine immunization program.

This measure is intended to provide more stable and continuous protection for high-risk groups through regular vaccination, as new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and circulate each year and the risks of hospitalization, severe illness, and death persist among older adults and other high-risk populations.

Free vaccination is available to adults aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and patients and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities. Vaccinations will begin with adults aged 70 and older and will be rolled out sequentially by age group.

Infection-vulnerable facilities include long-term care hospitals, long-term care facilities, psychiatric medical institutions, psychiatric care facilities, psychiatric rehabilitation facilities, residential facilities for people experiencing homelessness, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities.

Eligible Group: Adults aged 65 and older
Adults aged 70 and older, born on or before December 31, 1956: October 12, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Adults aged 65 to 69, born from January 1, 1957 through December 31, 1961: October 15, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Eligible Group: Immunocompromised individuals and patients and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities
Individuals aged 6 months and older, based on date of birth as of the date of vaccination: October 12, 2026 to June 30, 2027

The new XFG vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, developed to address recently circulating variants, will be used for this vaccination campaign. For most eligible individuals, one dose per year is sufficient. However, the number of doses required for immunocompromised individuals may vary depending on their immune status and previous vaccination history, so they should consult medical professionals before vaccination.

Because adults aged 65 and older are eligible for both the national influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs, they are advised to receive both vaccines during a single visit to a medical institution.

The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines may be administered on the same day. When administered simultaneously, the vaccines should be given at different injection sites.

Reports of adverse reactions following simultaneous vaccination have shown no significant difference compared with vaccination with either vaccine alone. The reported rate of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination also remained low, declining from 0.005 percent in the 2024–2025 season to 0.004 percent in the 2025–2026 season. Most adverse events that may occur after vaccination are mild, such as pain at the injection site and muscle aches.

COVID-19 vaccinations for the 2026–2027 season are available at nearby participating medical institutions regardless of an individual's registered place of residence. Information on participating medical institutions offering vaccination is available from the relevant public health center or through the Vaccination Assistant website. Individuals are advised to confirm vaccine availability before visiting.

Vaccination Assistant website: https://nip.kdca.go.kr
Vaccination Management > Find a Participating Medical Institution

Individuals must bring identification when visiting a vaccination site. Immunocompromised individuals and others who need to verify their eligibility must present supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate, physician's opinion, or proof of residence at an eligible facility. However, if the vaccinating physician determines that an individual is immunocompromised, vaccination may be provided without supporting documentation.

After vaccination, individuals should remain at the vaccination site for 20 to 30 minutes to be monitored for adverse reactions and should get sufficient rest after returning home.

Jo Gyu-yul, Director General of the Citizen Health Bureau, said, “Because new COVID-19 variants emerge and circulate every year and have characteristics that allow them to evade existing immunity, it is important for people in high-risk groups to be vaccinated annually.”

He added, “In particular, adults aged 65 and older can receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during a single visit to a medical institution. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to receive their vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.”