[2020 National Audit] Over 6,500 Vaccinated Despite Knowing White Particle Vaccine... Uncertainty in Securing Shortage

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been revealed that approximately 6,500 people received the influenza (flu) vaccine that was recalled due to the discovery of white particles.

On the 13th, during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee’s audit, questions were raised regarding the fact that the supply was only halted three days after the white particles were discovered.

Earlier, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) received a report around 2 p.m. on the 6th that white particles had been found in a flu vaccine at a public health center located in Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Following this, emergency inspections of the vaccine, on-site investigations of the manufacturer, cold chain (refrigerated distribution) analysis, and expert consultations were conducted, and the information was disclosed at 6 p.m. on the 9th.

Jeong Chun-sook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized, "Due to the MFDS’s 'delayed response,' citizens were vaccinated with the white particle-contaminated flu vaccine that they should not have received," adding, "It is problematic that it took three days from discovery to notification." According to data obtained by Jeong from the MFDS and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a total of 6,479 people were vaccinated with the problematic vaccine between the 7th and 9th.

The MFDS explained that it took time to verify the type of white particles because the information submitted by the health center alone was insufficient. They also emphasized that aside from localized pain at the injection site, there are no significant safety concerns even if the vaccine was administered.

Concerns about vaccine shortages arose following the exposure of vaccines to room temperature during distribution and the discovery of white particles, which led to the recall of about one million doses of the flu vaccine.

In response to a question from Jeon Bong-min, a member of the People Power Party, regarding additional flu vaccine procurement plans, the MFDS commissioner stated, "To cover the shortage of one million doses, the company plans to produce an additional 400,000 doses beyond the original production plan to partially compensate." When asked if there would still be a shortage of 600,000 doses even after covering 400,000 doses, the commissioner replied, "Yes," and expressed regret, saying, "We sincerely apologize."

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