Authorities: "COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Administered According to Priority Once Developed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The government announced on the 18th that if it secures a vaccine for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it will prioritize and administer vaccinations accordingly.

On the same day, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Director of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a regular briefing held at the Osong Disease Control Headquarters in Chungbuk, "Worldwide, various research results on treatments and vaccines are being announced," and made this announcement.

He explained, "However, in the case of treatments, so far the target has been limited to severe patients or above, and moreover, there are many obstacles such as side effects and the emergence of resistance, so it is a task that requires a lot of time to develop."

He continued, "The quarantine authorities are making efforts to save the lives of severe patients through epidemiological investigations and research and development of treatments and vaccines," adding, "Once vaccines are secured, a new and significant task lies ahead to prioritize among the entire population, administer vaccinations, and simultaneously conduct monitoring."

Deputy Director Kwon emphasized, "The ultimate solution is treatments and vaccines, but the most fundamental way to overcome respiratory-transmitted novel infectious diseases including COVID-19 is 'social distancing.'"

Meanwhile, the number of recovered patients who have pledged to donate plasma for the development of COVID-19 plasma treatment has increased to 162 as of today.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.