Gimpo will launch its first pertussis vaccination support project, city officials announced Wednesday.
The city said the program will begin Oct. 19, targeting pregnant women, their spouses and both sets of parents.
The project aims to prevent pertussis infections in infants by fully covering vaccination costs for prospective parents and close family members who frequently come into contact with newborns.
Eligible residents must live in Gimpo and fall into one of four categories: pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, mothers within 60 days of giving birth, spouses (including common-law partners), and the parents of both the pregnant woman and her spouse.
Those wishing to receive the vaccine must submit required documents — including a pregnancy confirmation certificate and a copy of their resident registration — either in person at a public health center or online through the Government24 portal. Once registered and approved by text message, they may visit a nearby contracted medical institution for the vaccination.
The cost per vaccination is about 40,000 won ($29), which Gimpo will cover in full.
Pertussis is a respiratory illness characterized by severe, spasmodic coughing and spreads through coughs and sneezes.
Newborns, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, are particularly vulnerable to serious complications if infected, making preventive vaccination especially important.
gilbert@heraldcorp.com
