Vaccinations against influenza A (H1N1) started on 7.5 million students in elementary, middle and high schools nationwide Wednesday. It started with physically and mentally disabled students and is expected to take a month.
Those who have recovered from the infection will be exempted, the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said.
The inoculation began a week earlier than scheduled in order to soothe public anxiety over concerns that the cold temperature may trigger mass infections.
Tens of thousands of people have contracted the flu with 52 deaths so far. The administration raised the nation's alert level to its highest last week - red.
The health and education authorities said they would check the body temperature of students taking the nationwide College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scheduled for today. Those who have a high fever will be taken to separate test rooms.