As the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) resurges mainly in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, calls are rising for South Korea to prepare for it. The government is providing free vaccinations for high-risk groups aged 65 and older until next month. While the general population experiences mild symptoms akin to a cold if they contract COVID-19, high-risk individuals may develop severe cases or die.
The issue is that only 850,000 doses of the vaccine remain in stock. Compared to the approximately 5 million unvaccinated individuals in the high-risk group, there is a significant shortage. Experts warned there could be confusion in the medical field. However, the government noted, "This is not a situation like overseas where the virus is rampant, and there is sufficient stock," stating that "we will also import vaccines to respond to recently circulated variants in the fall."
◇Only half of high-risk groups vaccinated
As of the end of last month, the government holds a stock of 850,000 doses (single vaccination doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes 200,000 doses of Pfizer and 650,000 doses of Moderna. The remaining vaccines are all single-use, sufficient for 850,000 individuals. Considering those who have already been vaccinated this month, the current stock is estimated to be lower than this.
Mathematically, the government's vaccine stock covers only about one-sixth of the target population. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there are 10.29 million high-risk individuals in the country, and so far, about half of them have received free vaccinations with the 24-25 seasonal vaccines. The high-risk group includes individuals aged 65 and older, immunocompromised persons aged 6 months and older, and residents of vulnerable infection facilities.
The remaining half can receive free vaccinations until the end of next month. Initially, the government set the vaccination period for the 24-25 seasonal vaccines at six months (from last October to this April), but extended it by two months due to the virus's spread in neighboring countries.
The Disease Control Agency stated, "There is no target percentage for vaccination among the high-risk groups," but added, "Vaccine stock is sufficient." Given that the current situation is not akin to the rampant spread seen overseas, and noting that the vaccination period was supposed to end in late April, the agency believes it has acquired vaccines appropriately.
Conversely, experts believe that considering the vaccine's immunity duration and stock levels, there may be confusion in the medical field. Professor Eom Joong-sik from Gachon University Gil Medical Center noted, "The vaccine's effectiveness generally lasts for 4-6 months," adding, "High-risk individuals who received their vaccine last October may see reduced preventative effects now."
There are possibilities that many will flock for vaccinations. Professor Lee Jae-kap from Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department stated that the low vaccination numbers might be because "the high-risk groups are unaware of the (free vaccination) opportunities." Professor Eom also mentioned, "COVID-19 could establish a pattern of seasonal resurgence in South Korea," emphasizing the need to consider how to use the remaining vaccines efficiently despite the shortage.
Previously, the government imported 7.55 million doses of vaccines for the current seasonal vaccination. This includes 5.23 million doses of Pfizer, 2 million doses of Moderna, and 320,000 doses of Novavax. Of these, 770,000 doses were discarded due to expiration issues, while the remainder was utilized for vaccinations. A new vaccine is expected to be introduced in the fall, which should resolve stock issues.
The coronavirus continues to evolve. The currently circulating variant is LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1. The government is providing free vaccinations for the previously circulating JN.1 variant. It believes that the JN.1 vaccine also offers some preventative benefits against LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1, but the government plans to introduce vaccines tailored to the new variants. They stated that new vaccines will be introduced in the fall after review by the vaccination specialist commissioner.
◇U.S. advises end to vaccinations for children and pregnant individuals
In South Korea, COVID-19 has become endemic. According to data from week 20 of this year (May 11-17), there are 100 hospitalized cases of COVID-19. Those under 65 who are not in high-risk categories experience mild cold-like symptoms when infected. The medical community believes that vaccination can still reduce the chances of transmitting COVID-19 to those around them.
However, individuals not in the high-risk group must pay for vaccinations. This is because individual medical institutions purchase vaccines from manufacturers and administer them for a fee. Professor Lee Jae-kap noted, "The cost for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is generally around 120,000 to 150,000 won."
In the United States, the issue of cost may also reduce vaccination rates. U.S. health authorities have provided free vaccinations for children and pregnant individuals until now. However, recently, U.S. Minister Robert Kennedy Jr. posted on social media that "healthy children and pregnant individuals are excluded from vaccination recommendations." Known for his anti-vaccine stance, Minister Kennedy has previously spread unverified claims that vaccines cause autism.
COVID-19 symptoms upon testing positive include fever above 37.5 degrees Celsius, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pain, and conjunctivitis. Self-treatment is the principle, but hospitalization is possible if necessary. Treatments are prescribed for those aged 60 and above or immunocompromised.
To prevent COVID-19, one should wear masks and practice cough etiquette. When coughing, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or clothing sleeve. Washing hands with soap under running water for over 30 seconds and ventilating the indoor space for 10 minutes every two hours are also recommended. The Disease Control Agency stated, "We cannot rule out the possibility of a resurgence this coming summer," urging adherence to infection prevention guidelines when traveling to countries where COVID-19 cases are rising.