Pneumococcal vaccination, price difference by drug and medical institution...How to check the price?
Apr 09, 2025
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Pneumonia is often passed casually because its initial symptoms are similar to that of a cold. However, deaths from pneumonia ranked third among all causes of death (57.5 per 100,000 people) according to 2023 cause-of-death statistics, roughly doubling from a decade ago (2013, 21.4).
In particular, the onset of pneumonia was highest in December, followed by April and May. The importance of pneumococcal vaccination is emphasized in all generations, with 21.8% of all patients hospitalized for pneumonia in 2023, up 1.4 times from the previous year, and the incidence rate by age group is 11.2% of all patients in their 40s and 50s and 1.5 times from the previous year.
However, pneumococcal vaccination is a non-benefit item that is not covered by health insurance, so even if it is the same type of vaccine, the price varies depending on the medical institution. In addition, there is a large difference between drugs. According to the 2024 non-payment price (medical cost) survey and analysis, pneumococcal vaccinations differed slightly in average price depending on the type of drug, and the average price of the protein-conjugated vaccine (PCV) was about twice as high as that of the polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). PCVs are Pribena 13 and Sinflorix prefieldsyringe, and PPSVs are Prodiax-23 and Prodiax-23 prefieldsyringe.
In this regard, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service is supporting the public to check the price of pneumococcal vaccination before visiting the hospital and select a medical institution through the 「Unpaid Medical Cost Disclosure System」.
As the price varies depending on the type and region of the drug, people who are about to be vaccinated against pneumonia can check and compare the non-benefit price between medical institutions through the website of the Korea Testing Service and the mobile app Health eum, and check the non-benefit price by item through the website of each medical institution. Medical institutions that do not operate the website shall be notified through brochures, menu boards, and posters within the institution.
In addition, the Simpyeongwon plans to expand and apply the 'Box Newbans Freefield Syringe (PCV15)' designated as a drug subject to the national vaccination project last year to the items subject to disclosure of non-payment medical expenses in 2025, and disclose prices by medical institutions nationwide in August this year.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
