National compensation system for immunization-related injuries

• Vaccinations are the most effective and safe means of preventing infectious diseases, and it is essential for all citizens to receive vaccinations according to the established schedule. However, even when all safety precautions are followed, vaccines, like other medications, can sometimes cause unavoidable adverse reactions in some individuals.
• Excessive anxiety among the public regarding adverse reactions after vaccination may lead to vaccine hesitancy, resulting in a decrease in the immunized population and potentially causing outbreaks of infectious diseases. As this can put the health of the entire population at risk, it is necessary to have a social protection system under which the government compensates for adverse reactions that occur unavoidably when causality is recognized.
• Accordingly, in 1995, the national compensation system for vaccination-related injuries was implemented, and provides compensation for medical expenses and lump-sum payments for disabilities or deaths resulting from adverse reactions to vaccinations.

In cases where out-of-pocket expenses arise due to adverse events following national immunization

• Individuals who have received vaccinations according to the standards and methods for vaccination implementation (KCDC Notice No. 2025-3) If the notice is amended, the changes will be applied accordingly.
• Persons who have received emergency vaccinations mandated by the special metropolitan mayor, special autonomous governor, or the mayor, county governor, or district head
• Individuals who have received prevention or treatment medications that the Commissioner of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stockpiled or contracted for in the long term in preparation for biological terrorism infectious diseases and other infectious diseases
• Individuals whose mothers received vaccination during pregnancy (However, miscarriages, stillbirths, etc., are not eligible for compensation.)

An appeal may be made only once. If compensation is granted, additional applications for compensation can be made within the application deadline.