Check when free flu and COVID-19 shots start for people 65 and over, and what to bring

When could my age group start?

These are the start dates by age that the KDCA announced on October 2. If your start date has passed, you can go on any day within the vaccination period.

Source: KDCA press release (2026-10-02), checked 2026-10-18

The August announcement planned to start with people 75 and over on October 12. Because flu spread earlier than usual, the schedule was moved forward on September 16. The flu vaccine is a trivalent vaccine containing all strains recommended by the World Health Organization. The announcement does not say when COVID-19 vaccination ends, so ask your public health center if you plan to go later.

Where do I get vaccinated, and what should I bring?

You can get vaccinated at a nearby designated clinic or public health center regardless of your registered address. There are about 23,000 designated clinics nationwide.

1. On the vaccination helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr), go to "Vaccination management > Find designated clinics" and choose one near home.
2. Ask that clinic or your local public health center whether vaccination is available that day.
3. Bring an ID card so staff can confirm your eligibility.
4. Stay at the clinic for 20–30 minutes afterwards to watch for reactions, then rest well at home.

The KDCA recommends that people 65 and over get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day. If you have a chronic condition or had a reaction to a past shot, note it on the screening form and talk to the doctor before vaccination.

Which schedule applies to parents living in facilities?

For COVID-19, people admitted to or living in mental health facilities, homeless shelters or residential facilities for people with disabilities could get vaccinated from October 12 regardless of age. Long-term care hospitals and care facilities follow a separate schedule. If your parent lives in a care facility, ask staff about the vaccination date and consent process.

What other support is worth checking when preparing parents for winter?

Once your parents' vaccination is booked, review winter heating support next. If heating costs are a burden, see energy voucher eligibility and deadlines and emergency welfare winter fuel support conditions. If you want to know your parents' income threshold, also see the basic pension recognized income threshold.

Call your local public health center to ask about nearby clinics and how long COVID-19 vaccination runs.