Daegu City announced on the 11th that as of the 5th, the COVID-19 vaccination rate for residents aged 65 and over in Daegu during the winter season stands at 31.0%. Since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccinations, the cumulative number of vaccinated individuals aged 65 and over has reached 153,516, approximately 1.6 times the number from the same period last year, which was 93,587 (a vaccination rate of 19.9%). This rate is significantly lower compared to the influenza vaccination rate (71.1%), which was recommended to be done concurrently.
Jeong Yeong-mi, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, visited a nursing hospital in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 6th to inspect the site and discuss preparations with staff in anticipation of a COVID-19 resurgence.
The city is administering COVID-19 vaccinations for high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and over, workers in infection-prone facilities, and immunocompromised individuals, and has urged active participation in vaccination to prepare for winter outbreaks. In addition, the city has expanded free vaccinations to include healthcare workers and staff at infection-prone facilities to intensify efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is similar to influenza in that the viruses in circulation vary each year, necessitating new vaccinations developed for emerging variants, even if one had previously contracted the virus or been vaccinated.
Min Bok-ki, president of the Daegu Medical Association, noted that “amid prolonged medical conflicts, the likelihood of COVID-19 and influenza spreading this winter is increasing,” and advised that “seniors aged 65 and over are recommended to receive vaccinations for both influenza and COVID-19 simultaneously.”
Jeong Gwan, the city’s Director of Health and Welfare, stated, “We hope citizens who have not yet been vaccinated will consider the benefits of vaccination and ensure they visit a medical facility for their vaccinations by November at the latest.”