270,000 People Vaccinated in the First Week of COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in the US

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] In the first week after the United States approved the emergency use of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, 270,000 people received the vaccine. Among them, 6 individuals showed side effects such as allergic reactions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this COVID-19 vaccination status to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) during a meeting held on the 19th (local time), according to foreign media reports.

Dr. Tom Clark of the CDC stated that since the start of Pfizer vaccine administration on the 14th, 272,001 people have been vaccinated, and considering the time it takes to compile vaccination data reported by local health authorities, this number is a minimum estimate.

Additionally, it was identified that a total of 6 people among the vaccinated individuals experienced allergic reactions.

Among those who showed allergic side effects, one person was previously found to have hypersensitivity to vaccines.

The CDC stated, "All individuals who exhibited allergic reactions showed symptoms within the recommended observation period and were promptly treated."

Although the CDC did not disclose specific information related to the allergic reactions, U.S. media reported that cases of side effects occurred at hospitals in Alaska and Chicago, Illinois.

In Alaska, three healthcare workers who received the vaccine experienced allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or facial rash. Additionally, a hospital in Chicago reported side effects including numbness in the hands and feet and increased heart rate, leading to a temporary suspension of vaccinations.

U.S. health authorities encouraged vaccination, stating that although some side effect cases have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination, they fall within the normal range.

Jerome Adams, Director of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC), emphasized at a vaccine-related press conference hosted by the Ohio state government that "side effects are not unusual," and that experiencing mild fever, headache, and fatigue after vaccination is a normal response. He added, "The COVID-19 vaccine prevents you from contracting the disease almost 100%," and explained, "Vaccination is the way to end the COVID-19 pandemic."

Meanwhile, the CDC advisory committee, ACIP, agreed during the meeting to recommend Moderna vaccine administration to the CDC following Pfizer.

The CDC is expected to accept the advisory committee's recommendation soon and begin Moderna vaccinations starting on the 21st.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of the Moderna vaccine on the 18th. However, this approval only permits distribution. Actual administration to people requires the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and CDC vaccination approval procedures.

During the meeting, ACIP focused on reviewing potential side effects of the Moderna vaccine but concluded that the benefits of vaccination in controlling the pandemic outweigh the risks.

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