Ulsan has begun the full implementation of a free pertussis vaccination program for pregnant women, marking a significant step forward in protecting the lives of newborns through proactive public health policy. The free pertussis vaccination for pregnant women is widely recognized as the most effective way to safeguard infants who are too young to receive their first routine immunization.
Starting in 2026, the city of Ulsan will provide free pertussis vaccinations to pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation, as well as to mothers within one month after childbirth who were unable to receive the vaccine during pregnancy. In a notable expansion of the program, spouses of pregnant women are also included, reflecting a family-based prevention strategy designed to block transmission within households.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease. While adults often experience only mild symptoms, the infection can be life-threatening for infants under two months of age. Severe complications may include pneumonia, apnea, and brain damage, making prevention far more critical than treatment.
The timing of vaccination is essential. When administered during the third trimester of pregnancy, antibodies produced by the mother are transferred to the fetus through the placenta. These antibodies provide vital protection to newborns until they are eligible for their first pertussis vaccination at two months of age. This approach is strongly recommended by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency based on scientific evidence.
 [코리안투데이] Ulsan Metropolitan City is offering free pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination to protect newborn babies from severe infection during their most vulnerable early months of life. © 정소영 기자 |
Ulsan’s policy goes beyond national recommendations by ensuring full public funding and direct access to vaccination services. Health experts note that including spouses significantly reduces the risk of household transmission, representing a more advanced and comprehensive model of infectious disease prevention.
The application process has also been simplified. Beginning February 2, eligible residents can apply through local public health centers or via the government’s online platform. Once registered, vaccinations can be received at designated public health centers or partnered medical institutions, ensuring both accessibility and efficiency.
Medical professionals anticipate that the program will yield long-term social and economic benefits. Preventing severe infant infections reduces medical costs and alleviates the emotional and financial burden on families. Moreover, the initiative strengthens Ulsan’s image as a family-friendly city committed to safeguarding maternal and child health.
An official from the Ulsan municipal government stated, “Free pertussis vaccination for pregnant women is the safest and most reliable way to protect infants from severe infection. Active participation by both expectant mothers and their spouses is the first step in protecting a child’s life.”
This initiative represents more than a healthcare service. It reflects how a city values the lives of its youngest residents and demonstrates the tangible impact of local government policy on everyday life. Ulsan’s decision stands as a powerful social commitment to protecting new life from its very first moments.
[By Soyoung Jeong | Ulsan Gangbuk | ulsangangbuk@thekoreantoday.com ]
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