Experts Say "You Should Still Get the Flu Vaccine"

Anaphylaxis Can Be Managed at Medical Institutions
"Patients Must Be Monitored for 15-30 Minutes After Vaccination"

On the 20th, citizens are receiving flu vaccinations at the Korea Health Management Association Seoul Western Branch in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where the free influenza (flu) vaccination program is underway. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the number of deaths following influenza (flu) vaccinations has risen to 16, health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated in an interim report that there is little direct correlation between the flu vaccine and the deaths, and decided to continue the scheduled vaccinations. Experts recommend getting vaccinated instead of harboring excessive anxiety, as the flu season has officially arrived and the damage caused by not vaccinating high-risk groups could be greater.

On the 22nd, Professor Park Sang-min of the Department of Family Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "Flu vaccination offers significant benefits both socially and individually," adding, "We cannot forgo the benefits to millions to avoid a one-in-a-million risk. However, since public anxiety is high, health authorities must provide evidence that the vaccine is safe." He emphasized that high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases should definitely get vaccinated. Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital said, "High-risk groups experience severe symptoms and have a higher risk of death if they contract the flu."

◆ Expansion of Free Vaccination Eligibility and Twin-demic Concerns = Experts attribute the increase in deaths this year to the expansion of free vaccination eligibility and increased demand due to concerns over the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and flu (twin-demic). Professor Park said, "This year, the number of people eligible for the national immunization program has significantly increased." However, he explained that it is difficult to compare the number of deaths to previous years because the overall population has also grown substantially.

Regarding the high proportion of elderly among the deceased, prolonged COVID-19, exposure to room temperature, and concerns about vaccines with white particles were cited as causes. Professor Kim said, "Elderly people who usually stayed home due to COVID-19 had to stand in long lines in cold weather to get vaccinated to avoid the twin-demic, which could be a cause of death," adding, "This is an 'irony' where efforts to prevent the flu actually worsen underlying conditions."

On the 22nd, cases of death due to flu vaccines are occurring nationwide, and at Seoul Dongbu Hospital in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, fewer people than usual are registering to receive the flu vaccination. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

◆ Observation at Medical Institutions for 15?30 Minutes After Vaccination = Recently, concerns about vaccine shortages due to room temperature exposure and the discovery of white particles have led to unusually long queues in front of clinics. For those with hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, etc., there is a risk of death from myocardial infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. Professor Kim said, "During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, some elderly people died from strokes on their way home after waiting in line at public health centers to get vaccinated," adding, "Eight people died over two weeks then, and it feels like a d?j? vu."

Therefore, it is important to create an environment that protects the health of the elderly before and after vaccination. Professor Kim advised, "Elderly individuals should get vaccinated after having enough sleep and being in a calm state. They should stay well hydrated and dress warmly. It is recommended to make a reservation to avoid long waits and to travel to the medical institution by car."

Health authorities stated the day before that there is no problem with the vaccine itself, but the possibility of anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction) cannot be ruled out. Experts explained that it is impossible to predict who will experience anaphylaxis, but most cases can be managed at medical institutions. Professor Park said, "It is essential to observe the patient’s condition at the medical institution for 15?30 minutes after vaccination," adding, "If anaphylaxis occurs, timely response can lead to recovery." Professor Kim explained, "With advances in vaccine production technology, the egg protein that causes anaphylaxis is detected only in extremely minute amounts," and "Medical institutions can immediately manage the condition by restoring blood pressure and other measures."

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