Annual influenza vaccinations will be offered free of charge for children, pregnant women and seniors nationwide starting next week.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) said on Monday that five-point-53 million children aged six months to 13 years, 270-thousand pregnant women and eight-point-eight million seniors aged 65 or older will be eligible.

Children aged six months to eight years who had never received a flu shot are eligible for two rounds. Vaccinations for this group, along with expectant mothers, will begin on September 14.

The remaining children aged 13 and under will be able to get one flu shot from October 14. Those for seniors aged 75 or older will begin on October 12, for those between 70 and 74 from October 18 and between 65 and 69 from October 21.

Vaccinations are offered through designated medical facilities and public health centers, regardless of one's place of residence.