Shanghai has started to offer free pneumonia vaccinations for its residents aged 60 and above.

The health program aims to help reduce the incidence of streptococcus pneumonia among the elderly and about 3 million people are expected to benefit, according to the Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission.

Such vaccinations are available at 251 community health service centers and district-level hospitals. Each center providing the shots is open for at least two days a week.

Residents can call the city's health hotline on 12320 or visit www.smhb.gov.cn for more information on the free vaccinations.