The European Union (EU) member states began preparation work one day before the start of vaccination for the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) in earnest on the 26th (local time). The European Union has secured 300 million doses of Pfizer vaccine, which can be administered by 150 million people.
8 million vaccines secured in Austria
70,000 won is paid when the test is received to encourage the test
Many EU member states, including France, Italy, Spain and Austria, will begin vaccination on the 27th as the EU executive committee approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by Pfizer and German Bioentech on the 21st.
Kang Jong-won (33), a Korean resident who has been living in Austria for five years (2 years of study, 3 years of work), is a Korean but plans to apply for a vaccination for the general public in April next year.
In an interview with JoongAng Ilbo on the 26th, Kang told the local situation, “In Austria, anyone who pays taxes can get the vaccine for free, regardless of foreign or domestic people.” Next is a question and answer with Mr. Kang.
- Vaccination begins in Austria.
- The first stage vaccination begins on December 27th. This includes people in nursing homes. The second stage is the medical staff. It will be vaccinated to the general public in three stages starting from April next year. It is said that prior reservations will be made online from next March before vaccination. I was told that vaccination was free.
- Can foreign workers working in Austria get the vaccine?
- I have been working for an IT company in Linz (one of the economic centers), Austria for 3 years. I don’t have citizenship, but I’m going to be right because I can get the vaccine. People who work here and pay taxes like me can get medical benefits. Since I am not in the 1st and 2nd stages, I am going to get the vaccine next April, when general vaccination begins.
- How is the vaccine security situation?
- I know I’ll get a vaccine so everyone can get it right. (※ The Austrian Ministry of Health said it plans to secure more than 16 million vaccines through the European Union. Given that two doses per person are needed, 91% of the total population (approximately 8.8 million) could be correct)
- How is the response to the vaccine locally?
- Some people are somewhat reluctant to the vaccine, and reports of the side effects of the vaccine have been reported, but both former and current co-workers (in Vienna and Linz) said they would go through the appointment process for regular vaccinations. It is also a free vaccination, and the atmosphere is that there is nothing wrong with vaccination next April.
![A city hall official from Vienna, Austria, is handing a corona vaccine that arrived on the 26th. In Austria, the first stage of vaccination begins on the 27th for residents of nursing homes. [AFP=연합뉴스]](https://i0.wp.com/pds.joins.com/news/component/htmlphoto_mmdata/202012/27/6a240cef-30f8-4d7c-bad3-42ab68bc0ef1.jpg?w=560&ssl=1)
A city hall official from Vienna, Austria, is handing a corona vaccine that arrived on the 26th. In Austria, the first stage of vaccination begins on the 27th for residents of nursing homes. [AFP=연합뉴스]
- The current corona situation in Austria.
- As people’s participation in the corona test is low, I heard through TV news that the government gives 50 euros (about 70,000 won) to people undergoing tests to encourage this. The atmosphere is very strict. (※ About 350,000 confirmed cases and 5,800 deaths based on a world-meter basis) The company has been working from home since November with a strong recommendation to work from home. All stores are currently closed except for the grocery store. The store is closed, so I can’t go outside.
![On the 26th (local time), a woman is walking through a shopping street in Vienna, Austria. Most stores, except for grocery stores, have been closed due to the Austrian government's action. [AP=연합뉴스]](https://i0.wp.com/pds.joins.com/news/component/htmlphoto_mmdata/202012/27/d4c68dab-9f32-4d47-8617-5bbbe4ae70cb.jpg?w=560&ssl=1)
On the 26th (local time), a woman is walking through a shopping street in Vienna, Austria. Most stores, except for grocery stores, have been closed due to the Austrian government’s action. [AP=연합뉴스]
Reporter Seo Yujin [email protected]