[Q&A Summary] 324 People Received Vaccines Exposed to Room Temperature... Anxiety Grows as Number of Vaccinated Increases

KDCA "Numbers May Change Based on Investigation Results... Additional Counts to Be Released"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The number of people vaccinated with influenza (flu) vaccines exposed to room temperature has increased by 100 in one day, reaching 324. On the 26th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released reference materials stating, "There have been 324 reported cases of vaccinations using government-procured supplies under investigation," and added, "The figures may change based on investigation results, and additional data will be compiled and disclosed."

This room temperature exposure vaccination involved a mix of government-procured and paid private supplies, which were managed carelessly, or cases where medical institutions administered vaccines without recognizing the government's suspension notice. Therefore, as government investigations continue, the number of people vaccinated with room temperature-exposed vaccines is likely to increase further.

Below is a summary of key points from the KDCA's Q&A released regarding the temporary suspension of the national influenza vaccination program.

Q. Why does the number of people vaccinated with room temperature flu vaccines continue to rise?

A. These cases involve the use of vaccines due to careless management where government-procured and paid private supplies were not separated during storage, and cases where medical institutions administered vaccines without recognizing the suspension notice. The figures may change based on investigation results, and periodic updates will be compiled and disclosed.

Q. Are there any adverse reactions among those vaccinated with room temperature-exposed flu vaccines?

A. Investigations are ongoing regarding the government-procured supplies under investigation. Most reports and adverse reaction notifications among vaccinees after September 23 and September 25 have not been received.

Q. Some hospitals administered vaccines after the KDCA announced the suspension. Are there no sanctions for such hospitals due to negligence?

A. According to the Influenza National Vaccination Support Project management guidelines, local governments conduct investigations and impose sanctions such as revoking the designation of entrusted medical institutions.

Q. Please provide specific cases where compensation for influenza vaccination damage was made.

A. Among the 10 compensated cases, symptoms included cellulitis, urticaria, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Causality is determined based on epidemiological investigations by the damage investigation team and reviewed and resolved by the expert committee on damage compensation. Among 31 dismissed cases, conditions such as lipoma, pneumonia, and facial paralysis were likely caused by other reasons, showing low relevance to vaccination or insufficient temporal proximity to adverse reactions after vaccination, leading to dismissal by the expert committee.

Q. How is compensation for influenza vaccination damage provided?

A. If causality with vaccination is recognized, medical expenses and nursing care fees (a fixed amount of 50,000 KRW per day), disability lump-sum compensation, death lump-sum compensation, and funeral expenses (a fixed amount of 300,000 KRW) are provided.

Q. What is the exact distribution volume of vaccines distributed by Shinseong Pharmaceutical that were exposed to room temperature?

A. The approximate volume initially confirmed was about 5 million doses, and the exact volume identified through on-site investigation is 5.78 million doses.

Q. The free influenza vaccination program for children under 12 and pregnant women started on the afternoon of the 25th. What is the total number of vaccinations?

A. Nationally supported vaccinations for children under 12 and pregnant women are underway. The number of vaccinations is currently being calculated.

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