Winter Flu Wave Prep / Influenza National Immunization Program

💡 Quick Take: The Influenza National Immunization Program starts on September 22, covers children 6 months–13 years, pregnant people, and adults 65+, and shifts from quadrivalent to trivalent with no loss of effectiveness or safety.

To prepare for the expected winter surge, Korea’s Influenza National Immunization Program will run from September 22 through April 30, 2026. Vaccination is free for children 6 months–13 years, pregnant people, and adults 65+. This year, the Influenza National Immunization Program adopts a trivalent (3-strain) formulation, removing the long-absent B/Yamagata lineage found in past quadrivalent (4-strain) shots. Authorities confirm that the trivalent vaccine offers comparable effectiveness and safety, so families can proceed with confidence.

Rollout is phased: children needing two doses begin September 22; children needing one dose and pregnant people begin September 29; adults 75+ start October 15, followed by younger senior groups in sequence. Importantly, adults 65+ are also eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning October 15, and co-administration with the Influenza National Immunization Program is actively encouraged to streamline visits and boost protection.

Program Timeline at a Glance (2025–2026 Season)

Use this schedule to plan your family’s visit under the Influenza National Immunization Program:

  • Sep 22: Children who require two doses (no prior flu shots or only one prior dose; typically 6 months to under 9 years) start first.

  • Sep 29: Children who require one dose (6 months–13 years, excluding two-dose group) and pregnant people begin.

  • Oct 15: 75+ begin, then sequentially 70–74 and 65–69 in the same week(s). COVID-19 vaccination for 65+ starts on the same date; co-administration with the Influenza National Immunization Program is recommended.

You can receive the Influenza National Immunization Program shot at any participating clinic or public health center nationwide—no matter your registered address. Find a nearby site via the official portal: NIP (National Immunization Program) Finder.

Why Trivalent? What Changed—and What Didn’t

Trivalent vs. Quadrivalent

The trivalent vaccine in this season’s Influenza National Immunization Program contains A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B(Victoria) lineages. The B(Yamagata) lineage—previously included in quadrivalent shots—has been globally undetected for an extended period, prompting the shift. For the public, the crucial point is simple: the Influenza National Immunization Program continues to provide reliable, evidence-based protection.

Effectiveness & Safety Remain Strong

Authorities state that trivalent vaccination under the Influenza National Immunization Program is equally effective and safe compared to past quadrivalent formulations. That means you can focus on when to vaccinate, not whether it will still work.

Before & After Your Visit: Essential Checklist

  • Bring ID and documentation: child’s insurance card/resident record, pregnancy booklet if applicable, and a photo ID for seniors. This speeds up the Influenza National Immunization Program intake.

  • Complete the screening form on the day of vaccination. If co-administering COVID-19 and the Influenza National Immunization Program, you’ll typically complete forms for both.

  • Stay 20–30 minutes after the shot for observation. Go home for rest and avoid strenuous exercise that day.

  • Manage mild reactions like arm soreness or low-grade fever with rest and fluids. Seek immediate care for signs of severe allergy (e.g., breathing difficulty, widespread hives).

  • Consider co-administration if you’re 65+: combining COVID-19 vaccination with the Influenza National Immunization Program reduces trips and accelerates winter protection.

Who Benefits Most—and Why It Matters

Children (6 Months–13 Years)

Young children face higher complication risks and play a major role in household and school transmission. Staying on schedule within the Influenza National Immunization Program—especially completing both doses when required—helps prevent severe outcomes and protects classmates and siblings.

Pregnant People

Pregnancy increases flu-related risks for the parent and newborn. Timely vaccination via the Influenza National Immunization Program reduces hospitalization and can provide early protection to infants in the first months of life.

Adults 65+

Older adults experience the highest rates of severe disease, complications, and death. The Influenza National Immunization Program plus COVID-19 vaccination offers a practical “two-in-one” visit to strengthen protection ahead of peak season.

Where to Get Vaccinated—And How to Book

The Influenza National Immunization Program is available at approximately 23,000 participating clinics and public health centers nationwide. You can book or locate sites—regardless of your registered address—using the official portal: NIP (National Immunization Program) Finder. For health policy updates and broader context, see our internal resources here: Korea Policy Blog (internal) and Health Archive (internal).

FAQ — Top 5 Questions

1) Does switching to trivalent lower protection?

No. The Influenza National Immunization Program reports comparable effectiveness and safety to past quadrivalent shots, with B/Yamagata removed due to long-term global absence.

2) Can I get COVID-19 and flu shots on the same day?

Yes. For adults 65+, co-administration is actively encouraged. Complete both screening forms and remain for observation afterward.

3) How do I know if my child needs two doses?

If the child has no prior flu vaccination history or has received only one previous dose (usually under age 9), the Influenza National Immunization Program advises two doses four weeks apart for optimal immunity.

4) What if I live far from my registered address?

No problem. The Influenza National Immunization Program allows vaccination at any participating clinic/public health center nationwide.

5) What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring a photo ID (and pregnancy booklet if applicable), your medication list, and be ready to complete screening forms for the Influenza National Immunization Program (and COVID-19 if co-administered).

Summary (Key Points)

• The Influenza National Immunization Program runs Sep 22, 2025–Apr 30, 2026, free for children 6 months–13 years, pregnant people, and adults 65+.
• Trivalent vaccine replaces quadrivalent; no reduction in effectiveness or safety.
• Phased start: two-dose children (Sep 22), one-dose children & pregnant people (Sep 29), seniors 75+ (Oct 15), then 70–74 and 65–69 shortly after.
• Seniors 65+ are encouraged to co-administer COVID-19 and the Influenza National Immunization Program shots.
• Find sites and book via NIP Finder; vaccination is available nationwide regardless of registered address.

Conclusion: Book Now, Be Ready Before Peak Season

Don’t wait for community spread to climb. Use the official NIP portal to locate a nearby clinic and lock in dates for the Influenza National Immunization Program. Families with young children should verify if two doses are needed and schedule both. Pregnant people can align vaccination with routine prenatal visits. Adults 65+ can pair the Influenza National Immunization Program with COVID-19 vaccination on the same day to minimize trips and maximize winter protection. A single, well-timed appointment now can prevent severe illness later—book today.

Official Resources

• Site & booking: NIP (National Immunization Program)
• Vaccine composition background: WHO Influenza Vaccine Virus Recommendations

Popular posts from this blog

Korean Government Announces Results of the First Round of the 2025 Grade 7 Civil Service Examination

Image
💡 Key Message : A total of 4,383 candidates passed the first round of Korea’s 2025 Grade 7 Civil Service Examination, with the second test scheduled for September 20. The Korean government has officially announced the results of the 2025 Grade 7 Open Competitive Civil Service Examination first round. According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, 4,383 candidates successfully passed the initial Public Service Aptitude Test (PSAT) held on July 19, 2025. This milestone marks the beginning of a competitive journey for aspiring civil servants across the nation. 🔍 Breakdown of Successful Candidates Among the 4,383 candidates who passed: 1,184 candidates were from science and technology fields. 3,199 candidates were from administrative fields. The highest cut-off score for the science and technology category was 93.33 points in chemical engineering , followed by electrical engineering (92.00) and data science (89.33). In the administrative category, the diplomatic...
Read more »

Life Insurance Payout Liquidity, Turning Death Benefits Into Retirement Income at 55

Image
💡 Key Insight : With the new life insurance payout liquidity system, policyholders can convert death benefits into retirement income at 55 , helping to bridge income gaps before pension begins. Starting October 2025, South Korea’s major life insurers, including Samsung Life, Hanwha Life, KB Life, Shinhan Life, and Kyobo Life, will introduce a groundbreaking product: life insurance payout liquidity . This innovative financial system allows policyholders to access their death benefits during their lifetime, beginning as early as age 55 . Instead of being restricted to a posthumous payout, individuals can now receive benefits as an annuity, creating a powerful solution to fill retirement income gaps . 📌 What Is Life Insurance Payout Liquidity? Traditionally, life insurance policies provide payouts only after the policyholder’s death. However, the new death benefit conversion system transforms these policies into a form of living retirement asset . Policyholders who have ...
Read more »

Validity Check Tightened in korea / driver’s license verification

Image
Starting September 1 , Korea’s driver’s license verification service will be upgraded. Until now, online/offline checks only compared the printed data on a license (license number, name, date of birth, etc.) with the original issuance record and returned “match.” From September, the system will also confirm whether the renewal/aptitude-check period has expired . In short, if your renewal window has passed, your license may be rejected for identity verification even when the printed data still matches. Police clarified this is not a cancellation of the license itself—it’s a tighter validity gate for using a license as an ID. Expect effects across e-commerce real-name checks, telecom/finance remote onboarding, and building access registrations that rely on driver’s license verification . What Changes — From “Data Match” to “Match + Validity” The upgraded driver’s license verification will check (1) data match and (2) whether the renewal period has lapsed . If the period is ...
Read more »