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Every October, many people only think about getting a flu shot.
This year, that’s changing.
Korea’s COVID-19 vaccination program has shifted from a temporary campaign to a routine, government-funded shot — just like the flu vaccine — offered every year from now on.
The KDCA (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) announced that the Korea COVID-19 vaccine October 2026 rollout begins on October 12, moving through priority groups in stages.
Here’s exactly who’s eligible, whether you can get your flu shot at the same time, and which vaccine high-risk groups will receive.
Quick summary: The Korea COVID-19 vaccine October 2026 program covers people aged 70+ (starting October 12), ages 65-69 (starting October 15), immunocompromised individuals, and residents of care facilities.
These groups can get their flu and COVID-19 shots together, using new variant-matched XFG vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, free of charge.
Anyone outside these priority groups can still get vaccinated for a fee at clinics that carry the vaccine.
Korea’s COVID-19 Vaccine October 2026 Rollout: Who’s Eligible First?
People aged 70 and older can get vaccinated starting October 12. Those aged 65 to 69 start on October 15.
Immunocompromised people and residents of infection-vulnerable facilities can get vaccinated from October 12, regardless of age.
Korea’s national vaccination program is a government-funded system that provides free vaccines to specific priority groups.
Starting this season, COVID-19 has joined the list of vaccines offered every year, just like the flu shot.
The vaccination period runs from October 12, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
You can get vaccinated at any designated clinic or public health center near you, regardless of your registered address.
| Group | Start Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age 70+ | Oct 12 | Free |
| Age 65-69 | Oct 15 | Free |
| Immunocompromised (12+) | Oct 12 | Free, twice a year |
| Care facility residents | Oct 12 | Free |
Source: KDCA / Korea Policy Briefing, Kyunghyang Shinmun (2026)
Can I Get the COVID-19 and Flu Shots at the Same Time?
Yes. Adults 65 and older qualify for both vaccines, and health authorities recommend getting them together in a single clinic visit.
Co-administration means receiving two different vaccines in one visit, injected into different sites — usually one in each arm.
You’d typically get the COVID-19 shot in one arm and the flu shot in the other.
✅ Get each vaccine in a different arm (e.g., COVID-19 in the right, flu in the left)
✅ Stay for 15-30 minutes to watch for any reaction
✅ Check the KDCA’s vaccination portal to confirm the clinic carries both vaccines
Fever or muscle aches are possible after vaccination.
If symptoms are severe or don’t go away, contact a healthcare provider.
Source: KDCA, Kyunghyang Shinmun (2026)
Which COVID-19 Vaccines Will High-Risk Groups Receive?
High-risk groups will receive new variant-matched XFG vaccines from Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (Spikevax).
About 4.84 million doses will be distributed nationwide.
An XFG vaccine is a vaccine updated to target a currently circulating variant strain.
How often you need it depends on your risk group.
Adults 65 and older get one dose per year.
Immunocompromised individuals get two doses per year.
Talk to your doctor about the right timing and interval for your situation.
Pregnant people are also eligible.
If you have an underlying condition or are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you’ll need a checkup before vaccination to assess your and your baby’s condition.
Source: KDCA (2026)
What If I’m Not in the Free Priority Group? (Cost and How to Get Vaccinated)
You can still get vaccinated at a fee-paying clinic that carries the vaccine, even if you’re not in a free priority group.
Out-of-pocket costs vary by clinic, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm the price before visiting.
You can check which clinics near you carry the COVID-19 vaccine through the KDCA’s vaccination portal (a government website listing designated clinics — Korea’s equivalent of a vaccine finder tool).
A designated clinic is a hospital or clinic contracted with the KDCA to administer the national vaccination program.
Not sure how to find a designated clinic near you? Check our Hospital Guide for Korea category.
(Internal link: replace with a published related article once available)
Source: KDCA, vaccination portal (2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?
Adults 65 and older need one dose a year; immunocompromised people need two.
2. Are pregnant people eligible?
Yes. If you have an underlying condition or are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you’ll need a checkup first.
3. Where can I get vaccinated?
At any designated clinic or public health center near you, regardless of your registered address. Check the KDCA’s vaccination portal to find one.
4. How much does it cost if I’m not in the free group?
Costs vary by clinic, so call ahead to confirm before your visit.
5. Is it safe to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes. Getting them in different arms during the same visit is a common practice recommended by Korean health authorities.
References
(KDCA / Korea Policy Briefing), “Seniors Aged 65+ to Get Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Starting the 15th” (original title: 65세 이상 어르신, 15일부터 인플루엔자·코로나19 무료 접종), 2026. Link
(Kyunghyang Shinmun), “COVID-19 Becomes a Routine Vaccine Like the Flu — High-Risk Groups Start October 12” (original title: 코로나19도 독감처럼 ‘필수예방접종’으로···10월12일부터 고위험군 접종), 2026. Link
(Medical Tribune Korea), “National COVID-19 Vaccination Begins with High-Risk Groups Next Month” (original title: 코로나19 국가예방접종, 내달 12일부터 고위험군부터), 2026. Link
(KDCA Vaccination Portal), “COVID-19 Vaccination,” 2026. Link
(U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC), “Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines,” 2026. Link
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have health concerns.
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