The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged on the 2nd for those at high risk of COVID-19, including people aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals over 6 months old, and residents of infection-prone facilities, to get vaccinated. This is due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore.
High-risk groups for COVID-19 can receive the vaccine for free at medical institutions until the end of this month. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted, “However, vaccination is currently only possible at certain medical institutions,” and requested individuals to check in advance for available vaccination locations on the vaccination assistance website before visiting.
The COVID-19 virus continues to mutate. The currently circulating variants are LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1. The government is administering vaccines for the previously circulating JN.1 variant. The government believes that the JN.1 vaccine also has a certain level of preventive effect against LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1, but plans to introduce a vaccine tailored to the new variant this fall.
Individuals who are not in the high-risk group for COVID-19 can receive the vaccine by paying the expense. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Director Ji Yeong-mi said, “With the increase in COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries, we cannot rule out the possibility of domestic outbreaks in the upcoming summer.” The agency also stated, “High-risk groups planning to travel to China, Thailand, or Singapore are recommended to get vaccinated before departure.”