Eun-kyung Jung, head of the Central Defense Response Headquarters (Director of the Disease Control and Prevention Administration). yunhap news
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Defense Countermeasure Headquarters (Bang Dae-bon), announced on the 4th that he will first inoculate the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) vaccine, which will be introduced in Korea, from the end of next month to workers in high-risk medical institutions and elderly people living in nursing hospitals and facilities.
“Pfizer introduction schedule cannot be confirmed… in discussion”
He said, “From the end of February, we plan to start vaccination from workers in high-risk medical institutions and senior citizens in nursing hospitals and nursing facilities.” It is progressing.”
In addition, “AstraZeneca applied for permission today (4th), and because inspections for domestic permits and national shipment approval are in progress in February, the situation is being coordinated to arrange the vaccination schedule.”
The Agency for Disease Control and Prevention plans to announce a detailed vaccination plan within this month, such as the vaccination targets, vaccination institutions, implementation standards, and adverse reaction management system.
As for the Pfizer vaccine, which was decided to be introduced in Korea, he said, “The schedule for introduction in Korea has not been confirmed yet,” and “we are discussing the current schedule.” There is a slight temperature difference from the previous announcement by Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun.
Prior to that, Prime Minister Chung said, “We signed a contract for 10 million people (20 million doses) for Pfizer vaccine on the 24th of last month, and it will come in from the third quarter of next year.” In progress”.
Meanwhile, although the’third pandemic’ of a new coronavirus infection in Korea (Corona 19) is partially slowing, it is diagnosed that risk factors such as’hidden infections’ and outbreaks in the region, and mutant viruses originating in the UK and South Africa remain.
He said, “Although the trend of the 3rd epidemic has slowed slightly in recent years, the risk of regional infection remains, and risk factors such as outbreaks and mutant viruses in vulnerable groups continue.”
“If you look at the risk factors in detail, the number of cases that were investigating the infection route (unknown infection route) was at a high level of 27% last week,” he said. “Also, the test positive rate of suspicious patients is maintained in the 2% range. The risk of hidden infections continues.”
Regarding the prospect of Corona 19 this year, “The epidemic of Corona 19 will continue worldwide, including Korea, in 2021. This year, the corona 19 vaccination prevents deaths of high-risk groups, maintains the medical system, and secures collective immunity. It aims to block the spread of Corona 19 to local communities.”
Reporter Seok-Hyun Ko [email protected]