Jeong Eun-kyung "AstraZeneca Vaccine Supply in Last Week of February... Approval Decision on 10th" (Comprehensive)

Request for Additional Data on Elderly Effects from UK Authorities... "Securing and Analyzing Overseas Data"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] 1.5 million doses (enough for 7.5 million people) of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine procured through individual contracts will be supplied domestically in the last week of February.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing on the 8th, "The supply schedule for 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine under individual contracts has been confirmed for the last week of February, and preparations for distribution and delivery are underway."

Regarding the controversy over the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the elderly, Director Jung said, "As mentioned in the previous Central Pharmaceutical Affairs Deliberation Committee results, it is not that there is no effect for those aged 65 and over, but rather that there is insufficient data to judge the effectiveness, so a cautious decision is recommended. We will make a comprehensive judgment based on these points."

The government plans to decide on the approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine at the final inspection committee of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 10th, and subsequently make a final decision on whether to adjust the vaccination plan after deliberation by the Vaccination Expert Committee under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Director Jung explained, "We have requested additional data on effectiveness in the elderly from the UK authorities and AstraZeneca, and I understand that some of this data has been secured. We will receive various data, papers, and additional information and analyze them internally."

He added, "Since expert meetings related to the AstraZeneca vaccine are scheduled at the World Health Organization (WHO), we will collect information on effectiveness and safety through various channels and make decisions accordingly."

Administrative Procedures Remain for Domestic Supply of Pfizer Vaccine
Joint Simulation Training at Central Vaccination Center Starting Tomorrow

Regarding recent concerns that the supply of Pfizer vaccines through the COVAX Facility may be delayed, Director Jung said, "Since this is the first time the doses are being supplied, contracts between COVAX and Pfizer must be finalized, and administrative procedures such as contracts with Pfizer and transportation plans remain."

Director Jung stated, "We are currently in ongoing procedural discussions with international organizations to expedite these administrative procedures and receive the vaccine supply as soon as possible. There is a possibility that the supply schedule may be adjusted depending on administrative procedures."

He added, "Since the Pfizer vaccine doses are small in quantity and this is the first time establishing procedures for frozen vaccine administration, the plan to vaccinate medical staff at COVID-19 dedicated hospitals through vaccination centers or medical institutions remains unchanged."

Meanwhile, to ensure smooth initial vaccination with Pfizer vaccine doses, the government plans to conduct joint simulation training starting on the 9th at the Central Vaccination Center (National Medical Center) and the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Task Force.

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