Prime Minister Chung: "Contracted 6 Million Janssen and 10 Million Pfizer Doses... Vaccinations to Start in 2Q Next Year" (Update)

"Mobilizing National Capabilities to Accelerate Pfizer Vaccine Introduction"
"'11-Day Pause' Starts Today... Please Join Us in Unity and Solidarity"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 24th regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, "In the case of Janssen, we have secured a total of 6 million doses, which is 2 million more than originally planned," and added, "Vaccinations will begin from the second quarter of next year." He also said, "We have secured 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which will initially arrive domestically from the third quarter of next year," and added, "We are mobilizing national-level capabilities to bring the introduction period forward to within the second quarter."

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, stating, "The government signed purchase contracts for COVID-19 vaccines yesterday with global pharmaceutical companies Janssen and Pfizer."

He emphasized, "Vaccinations have started in several countries such as the UK and the US. Most of these countries are in urgent need of vaccines," and added, "The government will carefully monitor whether the vaccines administered first are actually safe and sufficiently effective, so that our citizens can receive vaccinations as soon as possible and with peace of mind."

He continued, "Although the legal authority for vaccine procurement lies with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the government as a whole will take responsibility for the vaccines, not just one ministry."

Prime Minister Chung urged, "Starting tomorrow, the Christmas holiday begins. Although the streets should be bustling and gatherings joyful, unfortunately, this year, for health and safety, we must reduce movement and postpone meetings to a later time."

He also earnestly appealed, "I sincerely ask all citizens to participate in the '11-day pause' that started today with one heart and one mind," and said, "While citizens are asked to pause, the government and local governments will not rest."

Prime Minister Chung expressed concern, saying, "The urgent situation of intensive care beds in the metropolitan area is gradually improving," and added, "It is fortunate that the number of confirmed cases waiting for bed allocation is continuously decreasing, but with nearly 300 critically ill patients, we cannot afford to lower our guard."

He urged, "Even if there is one confirmed case waiting at home, if a problem arises, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and the relevant local government will take full responsibility, so please do your best in your assigned duties."

Finally, Prime Minister Chung instructed, "This week, there were four cases of avian influenza, showing a slight easing of the increasing trend, but we must not let our guard down," and added, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and each local government should actively utilize dedicated monitoring during this holiday period to thoroughly check whether on-site quarantine rules are being properly enforced."

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