Astra "Found the Formula for Success"... Will It Overcome Domestic Vaccine Concerns?

Expected First Supply
"Government Must Provide Consistent Safety Message"

[Asia Economy reporters Choi Dae-yeol and Lee Hyun-woo] AstraZeneca's novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) vaccine is expected to receive approval from the UK government as early as next week, drawing attention to whether it can quell domestic concerns about side effects.

So far, AstraZeneca's vaccine has faced distrust due to its low price and varying efficacy depending on dosage during clinical trials. However, the company's CEO has emphasized that there are no issues with the vaccine's efficacy, and experts suggest it could be a definitive 'game changer' due to its advantages in transportation and storage.

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, said in an interview with local media released on the 27th (local time), "We have discovered the successful formula to achieve efficacy when the vaccine is administered twice," adding, "It can prevent 100% of severe COVID-19 infections that require hospitalization." He did not disclose specific dosing methods or amounts.

However, since the UK is reportedly set to begin distribution as early as the beginning of next month, approval is expected as soon as this week. Given the many questions surrounding dosage and number of administrations, local regulatory authorities are reportedly reviewing the specific vaccination methods and effectiveness.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the pharmaceutical production facility of Workheart, a pharmaceutical company located in Wrexham, Wales, on the 30th of last month (local time) to observe the final quality inspection process of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.

Domestically, criticism has emerged suggesting that the government has been passive in securing overseas vaccines, with disparaging voices about AstraZeneca's vaccine, which was the first to have a confirmed contract. On the other hand, experts warn that baseless aversion to the vaccine could negatively impact future vaccinations.

Professor Jung Jae-hoon of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Gachon University Gil Medical Center stated, "The delay in AstraZeneca vaccine approval was due to efficacy variations occurring by chance depending on vaccination methods and the need for additional clarification because the results showing good efficacy were obtained through errors, rather than safety concerns," adding, "The government should provide a consistent message that the vaccine is safe and effective."

AstraZeneca's vaccine is a viral vector vaccine and is currently the most pre-purchased product worldwide. This vaccine is also expected to be the first to be administered domestically. Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min announced at a ruling party-government-office meeting the previous day that vaccinations will begin in February next year targeting medical personnel and the elderly. Since SK Bioscience, a domestic vaccine development and manufacturing company, is already producing this vaccine and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has formed a dedicated team to review it, vaccinations can start soon after approval.

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