Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your child from infectious diseases. In Korea, the government provides a nationally designated schedule of essential vaccinations free of charge, and children of immigrant and refugee families are also eligible for this benefit. Children who are registered as foreign nationals can receive free vaccinations at designated medical institutions nationwide, and children of unregistered foreign nationals can receive free vaccinations after being assigned a management number at a nearby public health center. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from checking the vaccination schedule to what to watch for before and after vaccination, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. 1. Check the vaccination schedule

    Visit the Vaccination Helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr) and enter your child's date of birth to see which vaccines are coming up and when.

  2. 2. Find a designated medical institution

    Use the Vaccination Helper website to search the map for a NIP-designated institution near your home where free vaccinations are available. If your child is unregistered, visit a public health center first.

  3. 3. Prepare before your visit

    Check your child's temperature, bring the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and complete the online pre-screening form in advance through the Vaccination Helper website.

  4. 4. Receive the vaccination

    At the clinic, the doctor will assess your child before administering the vaccine. Most vaccines can be given on the same day as other vaccines.

  5. 5. Observe after vaccination

    Stay at the clinic for 30 minutes immediately after vaccination. Continue to watch your child carefully for 3 hours after returning home, and remain attentive for the following 3 days.

  6. 6. Check the vaccination record

    Log in to the Vaccination Helper website to review your child's vaccination history and prepare for the next scheduled vaccination.

Using the Vaccination Helper Website

The Vaccination Helper website (nip.kdca.go.kr), operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), offers four key features:

  • Upcoming vaccination dates for your child: Enter your child’s date of birth to see which vaccines are due and when.
  • Nearby NIP-designated medical institutions: Search the map for hospitals and clinics near your home where free vaccinations are available.
  • Vaccination history lookup: Log in to view a complete record of all vaccines your child has received.
  • Online pre-screening form: Complete the pre-screening questionnaire before your visit to save time at the clinic.

How to Check Your Child’s Upcoming Vaccination Dates (Step by Step)

  1. Click “Vaccination Management” in the top menu of the website.
  2. Select “Child Vaccination Management.”
  3. Enter your child’s date of birth and click “Search.”
  4. Review the schedule that appears, and if needed, click “Print” to print a copy.

How to Find a Nearby Designated Medical Institution (Step by Step)

  1. Click “Find a Designated Institution” on the website.
  2. Select your area.
  3. Choose the type of vaccine your child needs.
  4. Click on a clinic name in the list to see its location and contact details.

If you would like to use a smartphone app for convenience, search for “예방접종도우미” (Vaccination Helper) on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to download it for free.

General Principles of Vaccination

Here are the basic principles that are helpful to know before vaccination.

  • It is best to follow the recommended timing in the standard vaccination schedule.
  • Always have a doctor assess your child before vaccination.
  • Most vaccines can be given as simultaneous vaccinations on the same day as other vaccines.
  • If vaccines cannot be given simultaneously, they should be spaced at least 4 weeks apart.
  • In most cases, interchangeable vaccination (continuing a vaccine series with a product from a different manufacturer) is acceptable.
  • For vaccines requiring multiple doses, a delay between doses does not significantly reduce protection, but receiving a dose earlier than the recommended interval can reduce effectiveness, so please be careful.
  • If your child has received immunoglobulin, a blood transfusion, or similar treatment, some vaccines may need to be postponed. Please consult a doctor.
  • Your child’s vaccination record is always accessible on the Vaccination Helper website or app.
  • If you are coming to Korea from abroad, bring your child’s English-language vaccination certificate and visit a nearby public health center to request that the records be entered into the system.
  • Children of unregistered foreign nationals can receive free vaccinations after being assigned a management number at a public health center. Before applying, please confirm the latest information through the 1345 Immigration Contact Center or your local Korea Immigration Service office.

What to Do Before Vaccination

Please prepare the following before going to the clinic.

  • Bring a caregiver who knows your child’s health condition well.
  • Check your child’s temperature at home before leaving to make sure there is no fever.
  • Always bring the Maternal and Child Health Handbook (sometimes called the baby health book).
  • Give your child a bath the day before, and dress them in clean clothes.
  • Complete the online pre-screening form on Vaccination Helper in advance to reduce waiting time at the clinic.
  • If possible, avoid bringing other children who are not being vaccinated on the same visit.

What to Do After Vaccination

Do not leave the clinic immediately after vaccination. Please stay and watch your child.

  • 30 minutes immediately after vaccination: Remain at the clinic and observe your child.
  • 3 hours after returning home: Continue to watch your child carefully once you are back home.
  • The following 3 days: Pay close attention to your child’s condition throughout this period.

Daily care after vaccination is also important.

  • Avoid strenuous physical activity on the day of vaccination and the day after.
  • Keep the vaccination site clean.
  • If the vaccination site becomes red, swollen, or painful, apply a cool damp cloth.
  • Always lay your baby on their back to sleep (never face down).
  • If your child shows any adverse reactions such as high fever, convulsions, difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face or neck, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Adverse reactions can be reported at your nearest public health center or through the Vaccination Helper website.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. If we missed the vaccination date, does our child need to start over from the beginning?

No need to worry. You do not need to start the series over from the beginning. However, the longer vaccination is delayed, the higher the risk of infection during that time, so it is best to follow the schedule as closely as possible. If you missed a date, consult a doctor and resume vaccination as soon as possible. Please note that for some vaccines such as DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, and IJEV, a delay may change the total number of doses required, so be sure to discuss this with the doctor who conducts the pre-screening assessment.

Q2. Is it safe to receive several vaccines at the same time in one visit?

Yes, it is safe. Most vaccines can be given simultaneously, and receiving multiple vaccines in a single visit means fewer trips to the clinic, which also reduces stress for your child.

Q3. Can my child be vaccinated if they have a cough, runny nose, or mild fever?

Mild cold symptoms (cough, runny nose, ear infection), stomach discomfort, or a low-grade fever below 38°C are generally not a reason to postpone vaccination. However, if your child has a moderate or more serious illness, please consult a doctor before proceeding.

Q4. Can children with eczema or allergies still be vaccinated?

Yes, they can. Vaccination is safe even for children with severe eczema, and having an allergy to something other than a vaccine component is not a reason to avoid vaccination. If you have any concerns, simply mention them to the doctor before the vaccination is given.

Q5. What should I do if my child develops a fever after vaccination?

A fever can occur after some vaccines, including pneumococcal, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), influenza, and meningococcal vaccines, but it usually resolves on its own. If your child is still active and playful and the fever stays below 39°C for a day or two, it is generally fine to monitor at home. However, please visit a clinic if:

  • Other symptoms such as convulsions appear alongside the fever
  • The fever continues for more than 48 hours

Q6. Can a child who is not registered as a foreign national still receive free vaccinations?

Yes, they can. Children who are registered as foreign nationals can receive free vaccinations at designated medical institutions nationwide. Children of unregistered foreign nationals can visit a nearby public health center to be assigned a management number, after which free vaccination is available. If you are unsure about the process, please contact the 1345 Immigration Contact Center first for guidance.

Where to Get Help

Details such as figures, deadlines, and lists of designated institutions are subject to change, so please confirm the latest information through the 1345 Immigration Contact Center or your local Korea Immigration Service (HiKorea) before applying.

MAP (Migration to Asia Peace) is a Seoul-based nonprofit organization that provides health information and practical support for refugees and migrants in Korea.