Table of Contents
- Start of Free Vaccinations to Protect Seniors and High-Risk Groups
- COVID-19 Free Vaccination Schedule by Age Group
- Simultaneous Vaccination for Influenza and COVID-19 Available
- Vaccination Locations and Preparations
- Post-Vaccination Precautions and Adverse Reactions
- Busan City’s Requests and Participation Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Start of Free Vaccinations to Protect Seniors and High-Risk Groups
Busan City plans to carry out the '2025-2026 Season COVID-19 Free Vaccination' from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026. This vaccination is intended for seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised patients, and those residing in or hospitalized at vulnerable infection facilities, conducted sequentially according to age to prevent severe cases and deaths.
From this year, a new vaccine 'LP.8.1' will be introduced to effectively respond to recently emerged variants. In particular, for those aged 65 and over, it is possible to receive both the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously, providing an opportunity to prevent two diseases with a single hospital visit. This effort is an important measure to protect the health of local residents.
COVID-19 Free Vaccination Schedule by Age Group
The 2025 vaccination schedule will be implemented in stages by age group to minimize initial congestion and create a safe vaccination environment.
First, seniors aged 75 and older (born on or before December 31, 1950) will be vaccinated from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Next, those aged 70 to 74 (born between January 1, 1951, and December 31, 1955) can be vaccinated from October 20, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Seniors aged 65 to 69 (born between January 1, 1956, and December 31, 1960) will be vaccinated from October 22 to April 30 of the same year. Immunocompromised individuals and those hospitalized or residing in vulnerable infection facilities can receive vaccinations from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026, regardless of age.
During the 2024-2025 period, the COVID-19 vaccination rate among seniors in Busan was lower than the national average, ranking 6th among 8 metropolitan cities. Accordingly, Busan City emphasizes that unvaccinated individuals in high-risk groups must participate in the vaccination. This serves as a reminder of the need to prevent the spread of infection.
Simultaneous Vaccination for Influenza and COVID-19 Available
Seniors aged 65 and over are included in the target groups for influenza vaccination. Therefore, it is recommended to receive both vaccines simultaneously this year. The two vaccines will be administered in different arms, allowing for effective prevention against each disease.
This simultaneous vaccination method reduces the need for multiple visits to vaccination sites, providing convenience for both the elderly and their caregivers.
Vaccination Locations and Preparations
Vaccinations can be received free of charge at designated medical institutions nearby, regardless of residence. Those wishing to be vaccinated can check available institutions by utilizing the 'Find a Vaccination Institution' menu on the 'Vaccination Helper' website (nip.kdca.go.kr) or by contacting their local health center.
When visiting the hospital, it is necessary to bring an identification document, such as a resident registration card or health insurance card, and if immunocompromised or admitted to a facility, they should prepare supporting documents such as a diagnosis letter, opinion letter, or admission confirmation. However, it should also be noted that if a doctor determines someone as immunocompromised, they can be vaccinated without separate documents.
Post-Vaccination Precautions and Adverse Reactions
After vaccination, it is mandatory to stay at the medical institution for 20-30 minutes to observe for any adverse reactions before going home.
In most cases, mild pain at the injection site, low fever, or fatigue will subside within 1-2 days, but there is a need to be cautious as rare severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis may occur.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regularly releases monthly reports on adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccinations on the Infectious Disease Portal Site, and it is important to report to the vaccination institution or health center immediately if adverse reactions persist.
Busan City’s Requests and Participation Guidance
Busan City emphasized the necessity of receiving new vaccinations in consideration of the ever-changing COVID-19 variants. In particular, it stated that seniors aged 65 and over require the attention of guardians and families to simultaneously prevent both influenza and COVID-19.
Vaccination is recognized as the most effective public health measure to stop the spread of infections and reduce the severity and mortality risk among high-risk groups. Therefore, Busan City plans to secure 380,000 doses of vaccine during this vaccination period, aiming to protect the health of its citizens.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who is eligible for the 2025-2026 Season Free COVID-19 Vaccination?
Those aged 65 and over, immunocompromised individuals, and residents of vulnerable infection facilities are eligible.
Busan City will implement free COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised patients, and those residing in or hospitalized at vulnerable infection facilities from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026. These individuals will receive vaccinations on a priority basis to reduce the risk of severe cases and mortality.
Q. What is the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for 2025?
Vaccination will be available from October 15 for those over 75, from October 20 for 70-74, and from October 22 for 65-69, with no age restrictions for immunocompromised individuals.
Vaccination in 2025 will be conducted in stages according to age. Seniors aged 75 and over will be vaccinated from October 15, 2025, to April 30, 2026; those aged 70 to 74 from October 20; and those aged 65 to 69 from October 22 during the same period. Immunocompromised individuals and those residing in vulnerable infection facilities can be vaccinated starting October 15 without age restrictions.
Q. Can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine at the same time?
Yes, individuals aged 65 and over can receive both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously.
Starting in 2025, it is recommended for seniors aged 65 and over to receive both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines simultaneously. The two vaccines will be administered in separate arms, effectively preventing both diseases, allowing convenient vaccination in one hospital visit.
Q. Where can vaccinations be received and what should I prepare?
Vaccinations are available for free at nearby designated medical institutions regardless of residence, and identification and supporting documents should be prepared.
Vaccinations can be received free of charge at nearby designated medical institutions within Busan. It is necessary to check in advance by using the vaccination helper website or contacting the local health center, and when visiting the hospital, identification documents such as a resident registration card or health insurance card must be brought. Immunocompromised individuals or those admitted to facilities must also prepare documentation such as diagnosis letters, opinion letters, or admission confirmations. However, if a doctor determines an individual as immunocompromised, vaccinations can be administered without additional documentation.
Q. What precautions should be taken after vaccination and how should I respond if there are any adverse reactions?
Stay for observation for 20-30 minutes after vaccination, and report any adverse reactions to the medical institution immediately.
It is important to remain at the medical institution for 20-30 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to observe for any adverse reactions. Mild symptoms such as pain, low fever, or fatigue typically resolve within 1-2 days, but one should be cautious as severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can occur. If adverse reactions persist, it is important to report immediately to the vaccination site or health center to ensure safety.
Q. What requests does Busan City have regarding this vaccination?
Busan City emphasizes the participation of unvaccinated individuals in high-risk groups and urges active vaccination.
Busan City strongly encourages participation in vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and over, who are in high-risk groups, alongside the introduction of new vaccines in response to COVID-19 variants. It highlights that vaccination is the most effective public health measure to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the severity and mortality risks, stating that it will secure 380,000 doses of vaccine this year to utmost support public health.