97 Death Reports After Influenza Vaccination... "Causality Low in 96 Cases"

One More Person Under Epidemiological Investigation
National Vaccination Program Continues

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] It has been confirmed that there have been 97 reported cases of death following influenza vaccination this year. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated that suspension of the national vaccination program is not under consideration.

According to the KDCA on the 7th, since the start of the '2020-2021 influenza vaccination season,' a total of 97 cases have been reported as deaths occurring within a few days after vaccination as of midnight on that day.

This is an increase of 3 cases compared to the 94 reported by midnight on the 5th.

The KDCA announced that after investigating the causes of death of the 97 individuals, 96 were found to have no confirmed association with the vaccination. Epidemiological investigation is ongoing for the remaining one case.

By age group, the majority were aged 70 and above, accounting for 81 people (83.5%). There were 8 people in their 60s and 8 people under 60.

The timing of death reports was concentrated in the third week of October (October 19-25), when the national vaccination support program for seniors aged 70 and above began.

By region, 75.3% (73 people) of reports came from seven areas: Gyeonggi (14), Seoul (13), Gyeongnam (11), Jeonbuk (10), Daegu (9), Jeonnam and Gyeongbuk (8 each).

Among the deaths, 60 cases (61.9%) occurred 48 hours or more after influenza vaccination, while 17 cases (17.5%) occurred within 24 hours.

The KDCA explained, "After reviewing epidemiological investigations, basic examinations, and autopsy results for 96 of the 97 death cases to date, no findings suggestive of adverse reactions to the vaccine were identified in any case."

They added, "(The deceased) had underlying disease exacerbations, clear other causes, or clinically identified other causes leading to death," and concluded, "No causal relationship between death and vaccination has been recognized, so there is no situation warranting vaccine re-evaluation or suspension of the national vaccination program."

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