KCDC: "Among 25 Deaths, Fatalities Occurred with Vaccines from the Same Lot Number... Emergency Response Meeting" (Update)

The 11th and 22nd, and 13th and 15th deceased received vaccines from the same lot number

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] Amid a series of deaths following influenza (flu) vaccinations, cases of death after receiving vaccines produced with the same lot number have occurred.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as of 4 p.m. on the 22nd, there have been a total of 25 deaths reported after flu vaccination, with 22 cases in individuals aged 60 and over, and 3 cases in those under 60.

Notably, among the deceased, cases of death after receiving vaccines produced with the same lot number have been identified. Among the 25 deaths, the 11th and 22nd, as well as the 13th and 15th deceased, had been vaccinated with vaccines from the same lot number.

A lot number is a unique identifier assigned to a batch of products manufactured and assembled under the same conditions by a single producer, sharing identical characteristics. The occurrence of recipients vaccinated with the same lot number suggests that the possibility of an issue with the vaccine itself cannot be ruled out.

KDCA Commissioner Jung Eun-kyung has explained that, since there have been no previous deaths from the same manufacturing process or lot number, the likelihood of a problem with the vaccine is low.

During the Health and Welfare Committee’s comprehensive audit held at the National Assembly on the same day, when Assemblywoman Shin Hyun-young of the Democratic Party asked, "What will happen if additional deaths occur from the same manufacturing process or lot number?" Commissioner Jung responded, "The relevant lot will be sealed off, vaccinations will be suspended, and a re-examination will be requested from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."

As public anxiety grows due to the consecutive deaths following flu vaccinations and the occurrence of deaths after receiving vaccines produced with the same lot number, health authorities are preparing countermeasures.

A KDCA official stated, "On the 23rd, we will hold a meeting of the Vaccination Damage Investigation Team and the Vaccination Expert Committee," adding, "This will be the third meeting this year related to influenza vaccination, where we plan to discuss the vaccination situation and countermeasures."

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