More than 2,300 People Suspected of Receiving Flu Vaccines Exposed to Room Temperature

On the afternoon of the 22nd of last month, when free flu vaccinations were suspended due to issues found in the distribution process of the contracted flu vaccine supplier, citizens lined up long at the Korea Health Management Association Gyeonggi Branch in Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, to receive paid flu vaccinations.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] It has been confirmed that more than 2,300 people at frontline medical sites have received influenza (flu) vaccines suspected of being exposed to room temperature, leading to a suspension of vaccinations.

On the 3rd, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated in reference materials related to the influenza vaccination project, "As of the 2nd, the number of government-procured vaccine doses administered under investigation is 2,303 cases (persons)." This is an increase of 13 people from the 2,290 reported by the KDCA the previous day.

The regions where vaccinated individuals have been identified include 15 cities and provinces nationwide, excluding Gangwon and Ulsan. Gyeonggi has the highest number with 673 people. This is followed by ▲Gwangju 361 ▲Jeonbuk 326 ▲Incheon 214 ▲Gyeongbuk 161 ▲Seoul 149 ▲Busan 109.

Initially, the KDCA announced on the 22nd of last month, immediately after suspending vaccine use, that there were no individuals vaccinated with the problematic vaccine. However, since the 25th, the number of vaccinated individuals has steadily increased, surpassing 2,300.

Currently, 12 people have reported adverse reactions such as fever and body aches after receiving the flu vaccine suspected of room temperature exposure.

On the 21st of last month, the KDCA confirmed that Shinseong Pharmaceutical, which supplies the national procurement volume, violated the 'cold chain' principle by leaving the refrigerated truck door open or placing products on the floor during vaccine delivery, and announced the suspension of the project. Accordingly, the total amount of vaccine suspended from use is 5.78 million doses.

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