Geochang-gun Expands AstraZeneca Vaccination for Residents Aged 65 and Over in Nursing Hospitals and Facilities

11 Long-Term Care Hospitals and Facilities Target Vaccination for About 700 People Aged 65 and Over

Geochang County Office building exterior view

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam announced on the 12th that according to the deliberation of the ‘6th Vaccination Expert Committee of 2021,’ it plans to expand AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccinations in March, when vaccines are supplied, targeting about 700 inpatients, residents, and workers aged 65 and over at 11 nursing hospitals and facilities.

The Vaccination Expert Committee reviewed research results from the UK and Scotland and recommended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for those aged 65 and over, as its effectiveness was proven in actual evaluations targeting the elderly.

Furthermore, considering the vaccine supply situation and clinical trial results showing increased effectiveness with longer intervals between doses, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency decided on the 11th to change the vaccination interval from 8 weeks to 10 weeks, thus changing the second dose reservation standard to a 10-week interval.

Gu In-mo, the mayor of Geochang-gun, stated, “Safe vaccinations are being carried out through strict adherence to vaccination guidelines by public health centers and medical staff at hospital level and above,” and added, “We will continue to thoroughly prepare for vaccinations and monitor adverse reactions to ensure the successful progress of vaccine administration.”

Meanwhile, starting with the county-run elderly nursing hospital on February 26, the county completed the first dose of vaccination for a total of 595 people at three high-risk medical institutions and 11 nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, and plans to complete vaccinations for about 270 first responders by the 12th.

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