Influenza national immunization moved up — children and pregnant women September 21, people aged 75 and over October 6
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The influenza national immunization schedule for the 2026–2027 season has been moved up. Children (6 months to 14 years old) and pregnant women can be vaccinated from September 21, 2026, and older adults from October 6 for those aged 75 and over, October 12 for those aged 70 to 74, and October 15 for those aged 65 to 69.
Key facts
| Children and pregnant women | From September 21, 2026 — all children from 6 months to 14 years old and pregnant women, regardless of the number of doses required |
|---|---|
| Older adults | Starting by age group: October 6 for those aged 75 and over, October 12 for those aged 70 to 74, October 15 for those aged 65 to 69 |
| High-risk groups | Immunocompromised people and others can be vaccinated from October 6 regardless of the age-based schedule, after consulting a doctor |
| Long-term care hospitals and facilities | Vaccination starts as vaccine is supplied — about 240,000 people are covered at care facilities |
| Reason for the adjustment | The epidemic situation, vaccine supply and readiness of medical institutions were considered, including the influenza epidemic advisory issued on September 11, 2026 |
| Vaccine volume | About 12.33 million doses secured for the national immunization program — total domestic production and imports are down about 4 million doses from the previous season |
| Where to get vaccinated | At a nearby designated medical institution (about 23,000 nationwide) or public health center regardless of registered address — check the Immunization Helper at nip.kdca.go.kr |
| What to bring | Photo ID. For children, a resident registration abstract or National Health Insurance card; for pregnant women, a maternity record book |
Last checked:
On September 16, 2026, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said it is moving up the start dates of national immunization for children and older adults in the 2026–2027 season in response to an earlier-than-usual influenza epidemic. Regardless of the number of doses required, all children from 6 months to 14 years old and pregnant women can be vaccinated from September 21 (for children who need 1 dose, this is a week earlier than the originally planned September 28). For older adults, vaccination starts by age group: October 6 for those aged 75 and over, October 12 for those aged 70 to 74, and October 15 for those aged 65 to 69. The adjustment was decided in consideration of the epidemic situation and outlook, vaccine supply, medical need and the readiness of medical institutions, with an influenza epidemic advisory issued on September 11.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Why was the date for children moved up?
Children who need 1 dose can be vaccinated from September 21, a week earlier than the originally planned September 28, 2026. The adjustment responds to an earlier-than-usual influenza epidemic.
When do older adults get vaccinated?
Vaccination starts by age group: October 6, 2026 for those aged 75 and over, October 12 for those aged 70 to 74, and October 15 for those aged 65 to 69.
Is there anything to check before visiting?
Since the schedule has been adjusted, whether the medical institution concerned can vaccinate should be checked with the local public health center or the Immunization Helper website before visiting.