Osan City Health Center Provides Free Pneumococcal Vaccination for Elderly

The Osan City (Mayor Kwak Sang-uk) Health Center announced on the 19th that it is providing free pneumococcal vaccinations using the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine to residents aged 65 and older (born in 1948 or earlier) with local residential registration from the 18th through December 6.

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended as a single dose for those aged 65 and older. Due to limited vaccine supply in the initial stages of the project, the health center conducted the first round of free vaccinations in May targeting seniors aged 75 and older. This vaccination campaign now extends to seniors aged 65 and older.

Vaccinations are administered at the health center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents must bring a valid ID confirming local residency. Vaccination dates by district are as follows: Jungang, Namchon, and Chopyeong-dong from November 18-22; Sinjang and Sema-dong from November 25-29; and Daewon-dong from December 2-6.

For this pneumococcal vaccination campaign, individuals who received the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine after turning 65 do not require an additional dose. Those who received this vaccine before age 65 may receive a booster after a minimum of five years has passed.

An official from Osan City Health Center stated, "The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine being administered is a safe vaccine that has been used worldwide for over 30 years." The official added, "Due to the vaccine's characteristics, pain or swelling at the injection site may be more pronounced compared to influenza vaccinations and other inoculations; however, symptoms typically disappear within 48 hours in most cases."

For more information regarding this free pneumococcal vaccination, residents may contact the Vaccination Division at Osan City Health Center at 031-8036-6047 or 6061.