By Xu Aiying and Yoon Sojung

The Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) from Sept. 8 will offer influenza vaccines to 19 million citizens.

Those eligible for the free flu shots are babies over six months old, teenagers under 18, pregnant women and senior citizens over 62.

People in the age ranges of 14-18 and 62-64 were newly added to the recipient list under a government plan to prevent COVID-19 and influenza from spreading at the same time. This decision means that up to 19 million people are eligible for the free shots, up 37% from last year's 13.8 million.

This year, the vaccine will protect against four strains of the flu instead of three in the past.

From Sept. 8, children who need to be vaccinated twice to achieve immunity will get their shots first. Those between the ages of six months and 9 who have never been vaccinated or received a shot once before July 1 this year are eligible for a free vaccine.

Those who need one flu shot only such as children and teenagers ages 7-18, and pregnant women can receive one from Sept. 22. Those over age 62 can receive one from Oct. 13.

For those who need two flu shots, getting both by November is recommended considering that a vaccine takes effect two weeks after injection and the period of influenza's spread.

To find designated medical centers for free flu vaccination, visit the vaccination management homepage of the KCDC run in Korean (https://nip.cdc.go.kr). Reservations at a center can also be made with a smartphone app.

xuaiy@korea.kr