The government announced that it has signed an additional 16 million contracts with Pfizer and Janssen (a Johnson & Johnson affiliated pharmaceutical company) other than AstraZeneca regarding the vaccine for the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19).
Yang Dong-gyo, head of the Medical Safety Prevention Bureau of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is giving a briefing on the vaccination of the Corona 19 vaccine at the briefing room of the Seoul Government Complex on the 18th. Newsis
24th briefing “Goal to complete all prior vaccinations for next November”
Modena and “Promotion of signing with target for January”
On the 24th, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said, “Along with 20 million AstraZeneca contracts (10 million people), Pfizer 20 million (10 million people) and Janssen 6 million (6 million people) will be supplied.” We signed a contract with an additional amount of 2 million times more than 4 million times.” In addition, he explained that “we are negotiating with the goal of a contract in January next year.”
The three pre-purchased vaccines will be introduced in stages from the first quarter of next year (February to March). Yang Dong-gyo, head of the Medical Safety and Prevention Bureau of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a briefing on the 24th, “The timing of supply varies depending on the production volume and contract timing of each pharmaceutical company.” I said. Only when the introduction began, but detailed plans were not disclosed. It is only known that the AstraZeneca vaccine amounted to 750,000 people in February and March, and that the JoongAng Ilbo, December 23, 1 page. In particular, the Pfizer vaccine will start coming in from July to September next year, and it is questioned whether 10 million people will be able to receive the vaccine within three months.
Director Yang Dong-gyo added that the specific introduction schedule will be “determined in detail in consideration of the vaccination plan”. “According to the confidentiality agreement, we cannot disclose in detail the supply timing and quantity specified in the contract,” he said.
Director Yang Dong-gyo said, “Currently, 86 million doses are being prepared, so there will be no problem with the vaccination of 60-70% of the public.” We are preparing for this.”
However, Jeong Ki-seok, a professor of respiratory internal medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, pointed out, “To prepare for the coronavirus next winter, at least 30 million people need to be vaccinated before September.
Regarding the issue of pulling the timing of vaccine introduction, Director Yang Dong-gyo replied, “We are trying to pull the timing in various ways.” Earlier on the morning of the 24th, Prime Minister Chung Sye-gyun announced that it is mobilizing all national capabilities to advance the Pfizer vaccine within two quarters, but the possibility of success is unknown given the situation of overseas pre-purchases.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-gyun said, “The Janssen vaccine will start inoculation from the second quarter,” but this is also unclear. In this regard, when asked if it meant that 6 million people would be vaccinated within April-June, Director Yang Dong-gyo replied, “We are establishing a detailed vaccination plan considering the characteristics and effectiveness of each manufacturer’s vaccine.” When asked if the introduction and vaccination would be considered to be done almost simultaneously, he said, “We are thoroughly preparing in advance so that vaccination is possible as soon as possible.”
At the same time, he reiterated the previous position, “We will complete the first vaccination before the influenza (flu) outbreak.”
Corona 19 vaccine from Pfizer, a US pharmaceutical company. AFP=Yonhap News
Director Yang said, “We are negotiating with Modena with the aim of signing a contract in January of next year,” and said, “We understand that we cannot tell in detail when the supply timing is”.
When asked about the possibility of consignment production in Korea, regarding the possibility of securing an additional 2 million people, unlike when Janssen was originally announced on the 8th, Yang said, “We have made additional contracts through continuous efforts in the government and cooperation with manufacturers.” There has been no discussion on consignment production.”
It was predicted that the purchase of additional Pfizer vaccines by the US would not have any impact on securing domestic vaccines. Director Yang Dong-gyo said, “We have confirmed that there is no effect on the vaccines to be supplied to Korea.”
Reporter Hwang Soo-yeon [email protected]