Adult vaccinations in Seoul, explained in English

Adult vaccinations in Seoul at VEI Clinic

Moving countries often means losing track of vaccine records, and finding out what is available in a new system can be frustrating. At VEI Clinic, adult vaccinations start with a short conversation with Dr. HyunSung Park, a board-certified internal medicine specialist, in English. He reviews any records you have, your health conditions and medicines, and any pregnancy plans, then explains which vaccines make sense for you.

Two vaccines are routinely available here: the seasonal influenza vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine. We can also test your hepatitis B status with a blood test. If you are looking for a different vaccine, message us before you come. Supply of other vaccines varies, and we will tell you honestly whether we can give it or where you are more likely to find it.

We focus on adults. If a child needs a vaccine, please contact us first so we can advise whether we can help.

Flu shots: who should get one and when

Influenza circulates in Korea mainly from late autumn through winter and into early spring. Because protection builds over about two weeks and wanes over the following months, the usual advice is to be vaccinated each year, ideally in autumn before the season peaks. Getting vaccinated later in the season is still worthwhile.

A yearly flu shot is recommended for most adults and is especially important for people more likely to have complications.

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
• People with heart or lung disease, including asthma, diabetes, kidney or liver disease
• Anyone with a weakened immune system
• Healthcare workers and people living with high-risk family members

Hepatitis B vaccine and testing

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver and spreads through blood and body fluids. Long-term infection can lead to liver scarring and liver cancer, which is why vaccination is widely recommended for adults who are not already immune. It is also relevant to Dr. Park's background as a gastroenterology subspecialist, so he can explain results in detail.

Before vaccinating, a blood test can show whether you are already immune from past vaccination, have been infected before, or are currently infected. That avoids unnecessary doses and picks up silent infection that needs follow-up.

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series, most commonly three doses over six months, although some products use a different schedule. We give you an English record with the dates of your next doses, and an antibody check after the series can confirm protection when needed, for example for healthcare work.

Who should not be vaccinated today, and side effects

Common side effects are mild and short-lived: a sore, red arm, tiredness, mild aches or a low fever for a day or two. We ask you to wait in the clinic for around 15 minutes after vaccination, as severe allergic reactions, although rare, usually happen soon after an injection.

Most adults can be vaccinated safely, but tell us before your injection if any of the following apply. In some cases we will postpone the vaccine or choose a different one.

• A fever or moderate to severe illness today: it is usually better to wait until you recover
• A previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or one of its ingredients
• Pregnancy, or a weakened immune system from illness or medicine
• A history of Guillain-Barré syndrome after a flu vaccine
• Call 119 for any trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or fainting after a vaccine

Records, costs and paperwork

You receive an English record of every vaccine given, including the product and date. If your school, employer or visa process asks for proof of vaccination or immunity, bring the form and we will confirm whether we can complete it.

Vaccine prices depend on the product and supply, and some adults in Korea qualify for free or subsidized flu vaccination through national programs, such as older adults, which may be offered at designated clinics. We tell you the full cost before giving any vaccine and provide an itemized English receipt.

If you are not sure what you had as a child or in your home country, do not worry. Bring whatever records you can find, even photos of an old vaccination card, and the doctor will help you decide whether testing, a booster or simply no action is the sensible next step.