Korea's Free Flu Vaccination 2026-27: Who Qualifies and When It Starts

Korea's national influenza vaccination programme for the 2026-27 season opened on 21 September 2026. The dates shift a little every year and the eligible groups start on different days, so even finding out "when can my household go" takes some digging.

This guide covers only what is stated in the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announcement and the government policy briefing. Where something is not confirmed in those sources, it says so.

The schedule at a glance

Start dates differ by group. The end date is the same for everyone: 30 April 2027.

Children needing two doses — from 21 September 2026

Pregnant women — from 21 September 2026

Children needing one dose — from 28 September 2026

Age 75 and over — from 12 October 2026

Age 70 to 74 — from 15 October 2026

Age 65 to 69 — from 19 October 2026

The free coverage applies from your group's start date. Going earlier means paying for the shot yourself.

Who is covered

Children. From 6 months to 14 years of age. By date of birth, that means anyone born between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2026. The age range is wider than in the previous season.

Pregnant women. Covered, starting 21 September.

Adults aged 65 and over. Anyone born on or before 31 December 1961. Within this group the rollout is staggered, beginning with those aged 75 and over.

One dose or two — how children are split

Children start a week apart depending on how many doses they need.

Two doses applies to children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have never been vaccinated against influenza, or who have had only one dose previously. This group starts on 21 September.

All other children start on 28 September.

If you are unsure, check the child's vaccination record first. Records can be looked up on the national vaccination portal, and the clinic can confirm it for you when you arrive.

Where to go

You can get the shot free at any designated clinic or public health centre, regardless of your registered address. It does not have to be your own neighbourhood — near your workplace is fine.

Participating clinics are listed on the national vaccination portal nip.kdca.go.kr, under 예방접종관리 → 지정의료기관 찾기 (Vaccination Management → Find a Designated Clinic). The portal is in Korean, so if you do not read Korean, it is worth asking someone to help you locate a clinic, or calling ahead.

A practical note: whether you need an appointment depends on the clinic. The official materials do not state a single rule on this, so call the clinic before going. The same applies to how pregnancy is verified at the clinic — ask in advance rather than assuming.

This season's vaccine is trivalent

The national programme this season uses a trivalent influenza vaccine containing all of the virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization.

Korea used quadrivalent vaccines in recent seasons, so the change prompts the question of whether coverage has been reduced. What the official announcement states is that the recommended strains are all included. This guide does not go beyond that into comparing effectiveness — that is a conversation for a clinician, not a blog post.

If you are 65 or over, the COVID-19 shot starts the same day

For people aged 65 and over, COVID-19 vaccination is scheduled to run on the same timetable from 12 October, and having both vaccines at the same visit is recommended.

In practice this means one trip instead of two. Whether it suits you personally depends on your health, so confirm with the clinician on the day.

Common questions

What if I go before my start date?

Free coverage begins on your group's start date. Before that, you can still be vaccinated, but you pay for it.

Coverage runs to 30 April — can I just go later?

You can, but there is no advantage in waiting. Influenza circulates through the winter, and immunity takes time to build after the shot.

My child is 14 but has had a birthday — does that still count?

Eligibility is set by date of birth, not by age in years. Born between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2026 means eligible.

Does it have to be the health centre in my own district?

No. Any designated clinic or public health centre will do, regardless of your registered address.

What if I am not in an eligible group?

You can still be vaccinated as a paying patient. Prices vary by clinic, so ask directly.

In short

Three things to remember: (1) your group's start date — children on 21 or 28 September, pregnant women on 21 September, older adults on 12, 15 or 19 October; (2) the end date is 30 April 2027 for everyone; (3) any designated clinic or health centre, regardless of address.

Clinic listings and your own vaccination history are both on the national portal at nip.kdca.go.kr.

This guide reflects the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announcement and the government policy briefing as of 21 September 2026. Dates and eligibility can change, so check the national vaccination portal before going. Decisions about whether to be vaccinated belong with your clinician.