Hwaseong City Health Center Offers Free Pneumococcal Vaccination

Hwaseong City Health Center will expand its free pneumococcal vaccination program to residents aged 65 and older starting from the 11th at the health center.

Following priority vaccinations for seniors aged 75 and above that began on May 20th, the health center has decided to expand pneumococcal vaccinations to those aged 65 and older beginning on the 11th.

Pneumococcal virus can cause life-threatening complications such as sepsis and meningitis (invasive pneumococcal infection) when infection occurs in the elderly population, with mortality rates reported to reach 60-80%.

A health center official stated, "Seniors aged 65 and older need only one vaccination in their lifetime. However, immunocompromised individuals, patients with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, artificial cochlear implant recipients, and patients with functional or anatomical asplenia should consult with their primary physician before visiting the health center."

Additionally, the official noted, "The pneumococcal vaccine may cause more pain at the injection site and redness compared to influenza vaccination, which can be uncomfortable, but these symptoms typically disappear within 2-3 days. For safe vaccination, individuals should remain at the vaccination facility for 20-30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for any adverse reactions."