The government is considering a plan to include adults aged 50 to 64 and prisoners in correctional facilities as recommended targets for first vaccination of the Corona 19 vaccine.
As the corona19 vaccine is scheduled to be introduced in Korea as early as February, the government is planning to finalize the vaccine vaccination plan during this month, and designate up to 36 million people as priority targets for sequential vaccination.
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Defense Countermeasure Headquarters (Bang Dae-bon), at a regular briefing on the 11th, said, “The size of the subject is estimated to be between 32 and 36 million, and the current specific list is identified. There is.”
Until now, the government has considered workers in medical institutions, people living in group facilities, and those aged 65 or older and those aged 19 to 64 with chronic diseases with moderate or higher risk as priority targets, but has recently expanded the target to include adults aged 50 to 64.
If you look at the’Priority Vaccination Recommended Target (Proposal)’ released by Bang Dae-bon today, 9 groups are largely included.
Specifically, ▲ medical institution workers ▲ group facilities residents and workers ▲ elderly (65 years or older), ▲ adults with chronic illnesses ▲ children and youth education and childcare facilities workers and employees ▲ Corona 19 first responders ▲ 50-64 years old adults ▲ police Firefighting officials and soldiers ▲ Prisoners and staff at correctional facilities and treatment centers.
Head of the headquarter Chung continued, “Regarding the recommended targets for the priority vaccination, we plan to confirm the list after identifying the targets in detail and gathering opinions, and then, according to the vaccine introduction situation, we plan to promote free vaccinations to all citizens sequentially.”
The government previously reviewed the COVID-19 vaccination plan with the Vaccination Specialized Committee and Infectious Disease Control Committee on the 8th, and plans to collect opinions from related ministries and supplement the contents to finalize it within this month.
Regarding some media reports that senior citizens in group facilities such as nursing homes were selected as the first priority vaccination target, Jung dismissed that “the order indicated in the priority vaccination recommendation does not mean the order of priority.”
“The specific details are currently being reviewed with experts,” said Jung. “For example, when it comes to chronic diseases, we are working to identify and register in detail how far and how far the facilities will be included.” “I said.
When asked if he had free vaccinations in mind when he initially planned vaccination, he said, “As for the cost of vaccination, we have stated that we are reviewing free vaccinations for those who are recommended for priority vaccination, and we have continued consultations between ministries. We are reviewing the provision of free vaccinations, and we are preparing detailed action plans.”
“It will be difficult to admit additional free vaccinations unless a revaccination or booster vaccination is determined for the duration of the vaccine effect or other medical or public health reasons,” he said. Said.
Director Jung also predicted that it would be difficult for individuals to select the type of vaccine, as the timing and quantity of introduction of each vaccine were different.
Headquarters Chung also announced a policy to respond to the entire government as a whole, as time remains until the vaccine is introduced.
He said, “We plan to hold the first meeting of the’Vaccination Response Council’ this week to discuss the operation plan of the (Corona 19 Vaccination Response) promotion team, support roles by ministries, and detailed implementation tasks.” We will respond with full force”
(Photo = Yonhap News)