Flu shot Seoul 2026: walk in, get protected

Getting your flu shot in Seoul for 2026

Influenza viruses change from year to year, so the vaccine is updated each season to match the strains expected to circulate. That is why last year's shot does not fully cover you now, and why protection from the vaccine also fades over months. A flu shot Seoul 2026 visit at VEI Clinic uses the vaccine supplied for the 2026–27 Northern Hemisphere season.

In Korea, flu activity usually begins rising in late autumn and peaks between December and February, sometimes with a second wave in spring. Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to build, getting vaccinated between October and December is ideal. Vaccination later in the season is still worthwhile while flu is circulating.

If you are traveling to the Southern Hemisphere, where flu season runs roughly from April to September, or have specific timing questions, the doctor can advise you during the visit.

Who should get a flu shot

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for almost everyone aged six months and older. It is especially important for people at higher risk of complications and those who live or work with them:

Healthy young adults also benefit. Even when flu is not dangerous for you, a week of fever and aches means lost work, cancelled plans and the chance of passing it to someone more vulnerable at home or in the office.

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
• People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Healthcare workers and caregivers
• Anyone living with infants, older adults or people at high risk
• Frequent travelers and people in crowded offices or schools

Who should not, or should check first

Do not get the flu shot if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine. Tell the doctor if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a prior flu vaccine. If you have a fever or are moderately to severely ill on the day, it is usually better to wait until you recover; a mild cold is not a reason to delay.

Egg allergy: current guidance from major health authorities states that people with egg allergy, including severe egg allergy, can receive any age-appropriate flu vaccine without extra precautions beyond those used for any vaccine. Let us know about any allergies so the doctor can advise you.

People taking blood thinners or with bleeding disorders can usually be vaccinated safely; firm pressure on the injection site for a couple of minutes reduces bruising. If you have had a severe reaction to any vaccine in the past, bring details so the doctor can assess the safest option.

Side effects and what to expect

The injectable flu vaccine contains inactivated virus or viral proteins and cannot give you the flu. Common side effects are soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, and sometimes a mild headache, tiredness, muscle aches or low fever for a day or two.

We ask you to wait in the clinic for about 15 minutes after vaccination so staff can respond to any rare allergic reaction. After you leave, seek urgent help by calling 119 if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a fast heartbeat or severe dizziness. Some people still catch flu after vaccination, but the vaccine reduces the risk of illness and of severe complications.

Combining the flu shot with a COVID-19 vaccine

You can receive a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit, usually in different arms. Studies have found this is safe and does not meaningfully reduce the effectiveness of either vaccine, though arm soreness or tiredness may be slightly more noticeable. Combining them saves a second trip. Availability of COVID-19 vaccines can vary, so please message us before visiting if you want both. Korea also runs a national flu vaccination program for certain groups, such as older adults and children, through designated providers; we can explain whether it applies to you.