More than 1 million people have been vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 in preparation for the winter season, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Compared to the same period last year, the vaccination rate has already doubled.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, free vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines between 2024 and 2025 will begin on the 11th and run until April 30 next year. The COVID-19 vaccination began on the 11th for senior citizens aged 75 and over, and on the 15th for those aged 70 to 74. For those aged 65 to 69, free vaccinations will begin on the 18th.

Busan On General Hospital's Infectious Disease Center recommends, "Even if you are infected with COVID-19 during a re-emergence in winter, vaccination in advance can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death," adding, "In particular, it is recommended that senior citizens aged 65 or older be vaccinated with influenza through a single visit to a medical institution."
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that more than 90% of senior citizens aged 65 or older are vaccinated against influenza and simultaneous vaccination.

The Infectious Disease Center at On General Hospital said, "In order to have a healthy winter with vaccination, we need to thoroughly manage personal hygiene such as washing our hands and wearing a face mask." This means that hand washing alone can prevent a considerable number of infectious diseases.

Colds, influenza, hepatitis A, pandemic eye disease, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease are typical diseases that can be prevented only by washing hands. Cold is a type of respiratory infectious disease and is caused by the virus penetrating the respiratory mucosa. It can block the spread of the virus by washing your hands frequently.

In the case of influenza, which is a respiratory infectious disease similar to a cold, but is accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, cough, and sore throat, it is important to follow preventive rules such as washing hands, wearing a mask, and vaccination. Food poisoning in winter, which is infected with bacteria or viruses, should also be noted. Washing your hands thoroughly prevents infections that may occur when cooking or eating food.

Oh Moo-young, director of the Infectious Disease Center at On General Hospital, said, "As the rate of hand washing practice is gradually increasing every year, awareness of hand washing is increasing, but the rate of correct hand washing practice is still low," and stressed, "Continuous efforts are needed to raise awareness and practice through public relations." Oh also repeatedly recommended that senior citizens aged 65 or older, who are immunocompromised, should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu in order to have a healthy winter.

paksunbi@fnnews.com Reporter Park Jae-kwan