The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is considering expanding the number of people eligible for free influenza vaccinations.
According to the KDCA on Friday, the agency has been conducting a study to determine which vaccines should included first in the national vaccination program since late last year.
Based on the results of the study, KDCA plans to introduce new targets for National Immunization Program (NIP) after deliberation by the immunization expert committee.
The agency is also taking into account administrative feasibility and the possibility of securing financial resources.
Currently, individuals eligible for free flu vaccination under the NIP are limited to children aged six months to 13 years, pregnant women, and the elderly aged 65 years or older.
The KDCA stressed that one of the most likely candidates to be included in the free vaccination group would be patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza.
Also, the flu vaccination rate among the chronically ill in Korea is very low compared to other countries.
In Korea, only 38 percent of adults under the age of 65 with chronic diseases received the influenza vaccine last year.