The capital will offer recommended immunizations for free from next year, city officials said Thursday.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the city will cover the 5,000 won ($4) co-payment for citizens receiving vaccinations in 2012.

The government covers 10,000 won of the cost of immunization, but the capital decided to help cover the entire cost to help those struggling with the cost of childrearing here.

The capital is also planning to set up agreements with local governments surrounding the capital including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, to provide free immunizations for all residents.

It is estimated that there are more than 1,614,000 children younger than 12 requiring some 5.2 million immunizations in the area.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)