Getting a flu (influenza) vaccine is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy through the winter. Refugees and migrants living in Korea can receive a flu vaccination through the national vaccination program or at a nearby designated medical facility. This guide summarizes who is eligible, how to get vaccinated, and what to know about costs, based on official information from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and other government sources.
The KDCA is currently running the 2025-2026 season influenza national vaccination program. Eligibility, schedules, and whether the program applies to foreigners and refugees can change each season, so please check the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your nearest community health center (보건소) or designated facility before going.
Quick Overview of the Process
- 1. Check whether you qualify for a free vaccination
Find out if you meet the age or other criteria for a free national vaccination (see "Who Gets a Free Vaccination" below).
- 2. Find a designated facility near you
Use the KDCA Vaccination Helper website to search for a nearby influenza-designated clinic or community health center.
- 3. Call ahead before you visit
Phone the clinic first to confirm they can vaccinate you, what it costs, and what you need to bring.
- 4. Visit the facility and get vaccinated
Bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport, and receive your flu shot.
Who Gets a Free Vaccination
For the 2025-2026 season, the following groups are eligible for a free influenza vaccination under the national program:
- Children from 6 months to 13 years old
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
If you fall into one of these groups, you can get vaccinated free of charge at a designated clinic or community health center. However, whether foreigners and refugees qualify may depend on your health insurance enrollment status and registration situation, so please check with your nearest community health center or call 1345 before visiting.
If You Do Not Qualify for a Free Vaccination (Costs)
Even if you are not in a free-eligible group, you can still get vaccinated by paying for it yourself. The cost varies by clinic, and your out-of-pocket share may differ depending on whether you are enrolled in health insurance. Please contact the clinic directly before your visit to confirm the exact cost.
How to Find a Vaccination Site
- Visit the KDCA Vaccination Helper website and search for a nearby influenza-designated clinic or community health center.
- Call ahead to confirm availability, cost, and what to bring.
- Bring your Alien Registration Card (or passport) when you visit.
You can also simply walk into or phone your nearest community health center for guidance.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The national flu vaccination policy (including who qualifies for free vaccination) changes every season. Whether it applies to you may depend on your status as a foreigner or refugee, so always check the latest information with the Immigration Contact Center (1345) or your nearest community health center.
- Which clinics you can use and how much you pay out of pocket may vary depending on whether you have health insurance. For more on health insurance, see Health Insurance Premiums, Restrictions on Visa Extension Due to Arrears, and Household Member Registration for Refugees and Humanitarian Stay Holders.