COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2025–2026 in Korea

초록

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has regularly updated its adult immunization guidelines, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023 and the 2024–2025 seasonal update. This article provides a comprehensive update as of September 2025, reflecting the latest evidence and international guidance. Focusing on the 2025–2026 season, it reviews vaccines currently authorized in Korea and their effectiveness against predominant JN.1 sublineage variants, including LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, and XFG. The updated recommendations prioritize vaccination with LP.8.1-adapted vaccines for high-risk groups—adults aged 65 years and older, individuals aged 6 months and older at increased risk for severe disease, and residents of facilities vulnerable to infection—while vaccination remains available for all individuals aged 6 months and older. A single-dose strategy is generally recommended, although older adults and immunocompromised individuals may consider an additional dose at 6-month intervals in consultation with healthcare professionals. These updates aim to refine Korea’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy and sustain protection in high-risk populations, with recommendations remaining subject to revision as new evidence and epidemiological conditions evolve. © 2025 by The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, Korean Society for Antimicrobial Therapy, The Korean Society for AIDS, and Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

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