[Provided by Cheongsong-gun]
[Provided by Cheongsong-gun]

Cheongsong-gun in North Gyeongsang Province announced Wednesday that it will offer free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations this month as part of its 2026 immunization program.

Free flu vaccinations will roll out in phases, beginning with children and pregnant women.

Starting Monday, children from 6 months to 14 years of age and pregnant women will be eligible for flu shots. Residents aged 65 and older can receive both influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Oct. 12.

The county urged eligible residents to check the vaccination schedule for their group and visit a designated medical institution before getting vaccinated, as start dates vary by category.

This year, Cheongsong-gun is also extending flu vaccination support — funded from the county's own budget — to students from the third year of middle school through the third year of high school, a group not covered under the national immunization program, to prevent infectious disease among local youth.

Students in that age group may receive vaccinations only at the Cheongsong-gun Public Health and Medical Center starting Oct. 15, and must first undergo a preliminary examination by a pediatric specialist.

Children between 6 months and under 9 years of age who are receiving a flu vaccination for the first time may begin Monday. In such cases, two doses administered at a set interval are required to build immunity.

Children who have previously received a flu vaccination may begin Sept. 28 and need only one dose.

Pregnant women may also begin receiving vaccinations on Sept. 28.

Children and pregnant women may be vaccinated at the Cheongsong-gun Public Health and Medical Center or at contracted local medical institutions. Children may visit the public health center as well as Samsung Clinic, GC Biopharma Clinic and Geumsaeng Surgery Clinic, while pregnant women may go to the public health center, Samsung Clinic or GC Biopharma Clinic.

Residents must bring a valid ID when getting vaccinated. Pregnant women should also bring their maternal health record book, and immunocompromised individuals must bring relevant documentation confirming their condition.

Schedules and availability may vary by institution, so residents are advised to contact their chosen medical facility before visiting. For further details on the vaccination program, contact the vaccination office at the Cheongsong-gun Public Health and Medical Center.

"It is important for children and pregnant women to get vaccinated at the recommended time," Cheongsong-gun County Chief Yun Gyeong-hui said. "Particularly this year, as the vaccination program has been expanded to include students from the third year of middle school through high school, I encourage them to check the schedule and location and actively participate."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com