Hello, international students and immigrants! As winter approaches in Korea, it is a time when interest in health increases. In Korea, the temperature drops and it becomes dry in winter, making it easy to catch colds and the flu, so it is important to protect your health through vaccination. In particular, the flu is a disease that can have a significant impact on daily life, as it is accompanied by strong symptoms such as high fever, cough, and body aches, unlike a simple cold. I will introduce you to the flu vaccination program for immigrants that has been prepared this time.

Why is the flu shot important?

Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. It has similar symptoms to a cold, but the flu can cause sudden high fever, severe muscle pain, fatigue, etc., and the symptoms can be more severe. It is also very contagious, so there is a high risk of rapid spread within a group, especially in winter when immunity is weak. Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk. Antibodies are formed about 2 weeks after vaccination, and immunity to the flu lasts for about 6 months. Therefore, prepare for winter health in advance by getting vaccinated.

Vaccination Schedule and Participation Guide

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, flu vaccinations will be held at the SM Building 1F parking lot, 7, Jeonpo-daero 256beon-gil, Busanjin-gu. Any immigrant aged 18 or older can get vaccinated, and on-site registration will begin at 9:30 AM on the day. Since it is limited to the first 60 people, it is recommended that you visit as early as possible to complete registration. The vaccination fee is 5,000 won per person, and your vaccination fee will be donated to the 'SOMI Medical Fund' so that more immigrants can receive medical benefits.

What should I do after getting vaccinated?

After getting vaccinated, it is recommended to take a short break at the site and check for any adverse reactions. After getting vaccinated, there may be mild side effects such as a slight fever, fatigue, and muscle pain, so avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of rest. Also, even if you get vaccinated, it is not possible to 100% prevent all risks of the influenza virus, so it is important to follow personal hygiene rules such as wearing a mask and washing your hands. In particular, it is recommended to practice infection prevention rules such as covering your mouth with your sleeve when coughing or sneezing in public places.

Event inquiries and vaccination location information

The flu vaccination event for immigrants is hosted by the Immigrants Association, the Immigrants Free Clinic, and Pusan ​​National University Hospital. If you have any questions, please call 051-818-4748 for more information. This vaccination opportunity is designed to help immigrants in the Busan area stay healthy during the winter, so we ask for your interest and participation.

To stay healthy during the cold winter in Busan, we highly recommend that you get a flu shot during this opportunity. Please share this news with your friends and colleagues so that we can all stay healthy this winter!