Busan to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations from Monday

Busan will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations for high-risk groups starting Monday through June 30 next year, the city government announced Wednesday. The program aims to prevent severe illness and hospitalization as cases of both influenza and COVID-19 rise simultaneously.

Both diseases carry a heightened risk of serious complications in older adults and immunocompromised individuals, and health authorities are urging eligible residents to get vaccinated on schedule.

Starting this season, COVID-19 vaccination will be reclassified from a temporary to a mandatory immunization. The change reflects the continued emergence of new variants each year and the persistent risk of hospitalization, severe illness and death among high-risk groups, with the aim of providing more stable and sustained protection through regular vaccination.

Those eligible for free vaccination include adults 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and residents or patients at infection-vulnerable facilities. Rollout will proceed by age group, beginning with those 70 and older. Adults 70 and older may receive the vaccine from Monday through June 30, 2027, while those aged 65 to 69 may do so from Oct. 15 through June 30, 2027.

The program will use the new XFG vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) developed to target recently circulating variants, with most eligible recipients requiring only one dose per year. Adults 65 and older qualify for both the national influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs, and health authorities recommend they receive both vaccines in a single visit to a medical institution.

Residents must bring a valid ID when visiting a vaccination site. Immunocompromised individuals and facility residents must also present supporting documents such as a medical certificate, doctor's note or proof of facility enrollment. After receiving the vaccine, recipients should remain at the facility for 20 to 30 minutes to be monitored for adverse reactions and rest adequately after returning home.