Key points
- In Korea, people aged 65 and older (born on or before December 31, 1961) can get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines free of charge.
- The flu vaccine is offered until April 30, 2027 and the COVID-19 vaccine until June 30, 2027. Because flu is already circulating, getting vaccinated now rather than waiting is the better choice.
- The two vaccines can be given on the same day, one in each arm.
This page describes Korea's national program. In other countries, eligibility and timing differ, so please check with your local health authority (in the U.S., for example, the CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older).
When does free vaccination start for people 65+?
On September 16, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) adjusted the schedule for older adults in light of the early flu epidemic, vaccine supply and clinic readiness, starting with the oldest groups. As of November, every age group 65 and older is eligible.
| Group | Born | Flu vaccine | COVID-19 vaccine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 and older | On or before Dec 31, 1951 | Oct 6, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027 | Oct 12, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 |
| 70–74 | Jan 1, 1952 – Dec 31, 1956 | Oct 12, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027 | Oct 12, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 |
| 65–69 | Jan 1, 1957 – Dec 31, 1961 | Oct 15, 2026 – Apr 30, 2027 | Oct 15, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 |
KDCA said that at clinics stocking both vaccines, people 75 and older could also receive the COVID-19 vaccine together with the flu vaccine from October 6, at the screening doctor's discretion. Supply varies by clinic, so calling ahead is a good idea.
Other groups eligible for free shots
- Flu: children from 6 months to 14 years (expanded to age 14 this season) and pregnant women, from September 21, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Children under 9 receiving a flu vaccine for the first time get two doses four weeks apart.
- COVID-19: immunocompromised people and residents of long-term care hospitals and nursing homes (aged 12 and older), from October 12, 2026. Immunocompromised people receive two doses a year.
What's different about this season's COVID-19 vaccine?
For 2026–27, Korea is using mRNA vaccines updated for the XFG variant (Pfizer and Moderna). People 65 and older get one dose a year, at least 3 months (90 days) after their previous COVID-19 shot. Even if you were vaccinated last season, this season's vaccine is recommended.
According to KDCA, about 63% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are 65 or older, and older adults still face higher risks of hospitalization, severe illness and death. "COVID is just a cold now" may hold for many younger people, but not yet for older adults.
Can you get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same day?
Yes. KDCA recommends that people 65 and older get both in a single visit. Studies have found no difference in effectiveness or safety when the two are given together.
- When given on the same day, the shots go in different arms (sites).
- If you prefer separate visits, there is no required order or interval. Still, fewer trips make it less likely you will miss a shot.
- The pneumococcal vaccine (one free dose for people 65+ in Korea) can be given on the same day too. The shingles vaccine is paid out of pocket in Korea; see our shingles vaccine article.
I had a flu shot last year. Do I need another?
The flu vaccine is an annual vaccine. Circulating viruses change each year, so the vaccine is reformulated, and protection fades over time. It takes about two weeks to build immunity after the shot, so in a year like this one, when flu is already spreading, sooner is better.
The flu vaccine does not prevent every infection. The U.S. CDC says that in seasons when the vaccine is well matched, it lowers the risk of needing medical care for flu by roughly 40–60%. For older adults, the main reason to get it is to reduce hospitalization and complications even if you do catch the flu.
What to bring and do
- Find a clinic: Use KDCA's Immunization Helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr) or app to find nearby participating clinics and public health centers.
- Bring ID: You need an ID card to confirm eligibility for free vaccination.
- Fill out the screening form honestly: Note whether you have a fever today, any severe allergic reaction to a past vaccine, and your medicines (especially blood thinners).
- Wait 20–30 minutes afterward: Staying briefly at the clinic allows staff to watch for rare severe allergic reactions.
Be sure to tell the doctor before vaccination if
- You have a fever or feel quite unwell today: It is better to wait until you recover. A mild runny nose usually isn't a reason to delay.
- You have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a vaccine or vaccine ingredient
- You have had Guillain-Barré syndrome
- You have an egg allergy: Under current guidance most people can still receive the flu vaccine, but mention any severe reaction you have had.
- You take blood thinners: Press firmly on the injection site for at least 2 minutes afterward.
Side effects: what's normal?
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Common | Soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site, low fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache. These usually resolve within 1–2 days and may be slightly more noticeable when both vaccines are given together. |
| Keep an eye on | A fever of 38°C or higher lasting more than two days, or an injection site that keeps getting more swollen and painful, are reasons to see a doctor. |
| Get care right away | Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, hives all over, or feeling faint soon after the shot. Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath after an mRNA vaccine should be checked for myocarditis (reported rarely, mainly in young men). |
In Korea, suspected adverse reactions can be reported through the Immunization Helper website, and the KDCA call center (1339) offers advice.
Vaccine myths: true or false?
| Myth | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Getting both vaccines at once is too hard on the body | Based on studies showing no difference in effectiveness or safety, KDCA recommends co-administration. Mild reactions such as a sore arm may be slightly more noticeable. |
| It's pointless once flu season has started | The epidemic may last until spring, and protection begins about two weeks after the shot, so getting it late is still worthwhile. |
| Healthy older adults don't need it | Age itself is a risk factor for flu and COVID-19 complications. Vaccination is recommended for everyone 65+ even without chronic illness. |
| COVID-19 vaccines aren't needed anymore | Many younger people have mild illness, but more than 60% of those hospitalized are 65 or older, so vaccination is still recommended for older adults. |
Please keep in mind
- This article is based on information checked as of the date shown above. New research or changes in official guidance may change the content, so please use it as a reference rather than as definitive advice.
- For an accurate diagnosis and advice about your own health, please see a doctor in person.