A senior citizen in November last year at a Seoul hospital receives information on getting a COVID-19 vaccination for winter. (Yonhap) 

By Cao Thi Ha  

The government this year will keep providing free COVID-19 vaccinations to the public.

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho KyooHong on March 22 told a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at Government Complex-Seoul, "To maintain stable quarantine situation and speed up recovery of daily life, protection of high-risk groups from infection is above all else," adding, "Vaccination this year will be conducted once in the fourth quarter."

All citizens and expats with resident registration numbers are eligible for free vaccinations.

The vaccination period is from October to November.

Vaccination is highly recommended for high-risk groups such as people aged 65 or older, those at facilities vulnerable to infection and people with weak bodily immunity.

For the immuno-compromised, shots will be offered twice this year -- the first in the second quarter and the second in the fourth -- given the short effectiveness of antibodies.

"Over the past two years, vaccination has protected many lives and prevented worsening of the disease," the minister said. "Please keep actively participating in getting shots for yourself, family and neighbors."

Meanwhile, the vaccination period for winter ends on April 8, but those who want it after this deadline can get it at a designated medical facility.

shinn11@korea.kr