Kwon Deok-cheol: "Right Now, Quarantine Takes Priority... Not Neglecting Vaccine Procurement"

Health and Welfare Minister nominee Kwon Deok-cheol is attending the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee on the 22nd, taking the oath as a witness. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Kwon Deok-cheol, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, stated on the 22nd that regarding criticisms that the government's introduction of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine was delayed, "If we proceed sequentially according to the introduction plan, I believe we can prevent the 4th wave of COVID-19 in the future."

At the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee confirmation hearing that day, Kwon responded this way to a question from Seo Young-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, asking, "What do you think about the criticism from the opposition party and others that the timing of the introduction was late?"

He said, "It is the same in Europe and the United States, but even with vaccination, the preventive effect is about 60%, and that effect usually appears toward the end of winter," adding, "Since our country is purchasing vaccines to prevent the next wave of COVID-19, if we proceed sequentially, we can prevent the next wave."

Regarding the mention by members of the People Power Party about the "failure to purchase COVID-19 vaccines," he said, "We have secured 44 million doses now, but these vaccines are not for now but to prepare for the next wave and to secure immunity for the entire population," and added, "If we sequentially establish the immune system before the influenza season next November, it will be sufficient."

He further emphasized, "The COVID-19 situation in the United States and Europe is completely different from ours, so the urgency of vaccination is also different," and said, "Vaccines are for preparing for next year; right now, we must prioritize quarantine measures. The government is not negligent in purchasing and securing vaccines."

Regarding criticisms that "purchase negotiations were insufficient," he stated, "I think legislation to grant immunity to public officials to prevent issues in vaccine procurement is also necessary." Kwon also predicted that COVID-19 might become an endemic disease that recurs annually like influenza, saying, "We may have to get COVID-19 vaccines just as we currently get flu vaccines. Therefore, it is even more important to receive vaccines that are safe and effective."

Meanwhile, on the timing of COVID-19 vaccination, he said, "The AstraZeneca vaccine is awaiting final emergency approval in the United States and Europe, and once approved, the Korea Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve it more quickly," adding, "Once emergency use authorization is granted, we will make every effort to start vaccination immediately."

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