Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccinations for Older Adults to Begin October 15

- Vaccination program starts October 15 (Wed) for those aged 75 and above, October 20 (Mon) for ages 70-74, and October 22 (Wed) for ages 65-69.

- COVID-19 vaccinations for immunocompromised individuals, and inpatients or residents of high-risk facilities aged 6 months and older also begin October 15.

Osong, 14 October 2025 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza (the flu) vaccination program for older adults aged 65 and above will start on Wednesday, October 15. The 2025-2026 seasonal COVID-19 vaccination program for the COVID-19 high-risk groups—including adults aged 65 and above and those who are immunocompromised—is also planned to begin on the same date.

Older adults aged 65 and above are eligible for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with following schedule by age group:

· Aged 75 and above: Starting October 15 (Wed)

· Ages 70-74: Starting October 20 (Mon)

· Ages 65-69: Starting October 22 (Wed)

Eligible individuals can receive both vaccines at the same time at designated medical institutions, with free of charge.

In addition, COVID-19 vaccination for high-risk groups—including immunocompromised individuals and inpatients or residents of infection vulnerable facilities*—will begin on October 15 (Wed), regardless of age.

* Infection vulnerable facility: Long-term care hospitals and facilities, mental health care hospitals, shelters for homeless, and persons with disabilities.

The 2025-2026 seasonal vaccination program is planned to provide Influenza trivalent vaccine and LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine. Also, recipients are advised to remain at the vaccination site for 20 to 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for allergic or adverse reactions and to rest enough afterward.

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim stated, ““Given that the dominant variant changes annually, it is important for high-risk group of influenza and COVID-19 to get vaccination every year to spend this winter season safely.” He also added, “In particular, I highly recommend seniors aged 65 and above to receive COVID-19 and influenza vaccines by visiting medical facilities just one time.”