COVID-19 vaccination shifts to mandatory immunization (필수예방접종) — starting October 12, 2026 for people aged 70 and over
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
COVID-19 vaccination shifts from temporary immunization to mandatory immunization. From October 12, 2026, vaccination begins with people aged 70 and over and proceeds by age group for those aged 65 and over, and immunocompromised people aged 12 and over and patients and residents of facilities vulnerable to infection also begin on the same day.
Key facts
| What changes | Temporary immunization (임시예방접종) → mandatory immunization (필수예방접종) (vaccination plan announced September 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Vaccination starts | October 12, 2026 — beginning with people aged 70 and over, then by age group for those aged 65 and over |
| Who is covered | People aged 65 and over, immunocompromised people, and patients and residents of facilities vulnerable to infection such as long-term care hospitals |
| Vaccine and doses | 4.84 million doses of the XFG vaccine — 1 dose a year (2 doses for immunocompromised people) |
| Co-administration | People aged 65 and over are covered by both the influenza and the COVID-19 vaccination programs — the KDCA recommends receiving both at a single visit to one facility |
| Hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients | Supported from 3 to 6 months after the transplant date and for up to 3 years: a primary series (3 doses, at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks between the 1st and 2nd and 8 to 12 weeks between the 2nd and 3rd) and additional doses (2 a year at 6-month intervals) |
| Risk for older adults | People aged 65 and over account for 63% of all COVID-19 inpatients |
| Where to get vaccinated | At a nearby designated medical institution or public health center regardless of registered address — check the Immunization Helper at nip.kdca.go.kr |
Last checked:
On September 17, 2026, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that COVID-19 vaccination, which had been run as temporary immunization (임시예방접종), will be shifted to mandatory immunization (필수예방접종), and released the national COVID-19 vaccination plan for the 2026–2027 season. From October 12, 2026, vaccination begins with people aged 70 and over and proceeds by age group for those aged 65 and over, and immunocompromised people aged 12 and over and patients and residents of facilities vulnerable to infection also begin on the same day. This round uses 4.84 million doses of the XFG vaccine and is completed with 1 dose (2 doses for immunocompromised people). The shift was decided after reviewing COVID-19 trends, World Health Organization recommendations and the policy direction of major countries, and after an expert advisory meeting and deliberation by the Immunization Advisory Committee (예방접종전문위원회).
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
What changes?
The KDCA said it decided to manage COVID-19 vaccination through mandatory immunization rather than the temporary immunization method normally used during an infectious disease outbreak such as a pandemic.
Can it be given together with the influenza vaccine?
The KDCA recommended that older people aged 65 and over, who are covered by both vaccination programs, receive both at a single visit to a vaccination facility.
What about immunocompromised people under 12?
According to the KDCA, high-risk groups such as immunocompromised people under 12 need a primary series of 1 or 2 doses depending on their prior vaccination history, so they should consult a doctor before being vaccinated.