President Moon Likely to Receive AstraZeneca Vaccine... Strict Criteria Applied for Priority Vaccination (Update)

Priority Vaccination for Essential Officials Traveling Abroad... Pfizer Vaccine Administered if Timing is Tight

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] There is a high possibility that President Moon Jae-in will receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine ahead of his departure for the Group of Seven (G7) summit to be held in the UK this June.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at the regular briefing of the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 15th, "President Moon's vaccination plan or schedule has not yet been finalized, and once a specific vaccination plan is decided, a separate announcement will be made," adding, "I think he will probably receive the AstraZeneca vaccine according to the general principles."

Jung explained, "For essential official duties requiring overseas travel, there is a plan to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine through public health centers," adding, "However, if the departure date is very tight and vaccination is necessary, an exception is being considered for a small number of people to receive the Pfizer vaccine."

Jung said, "Since the AstraZeneca vaccine can also be administered with a minimum interval of four weeks for travel purposes, we are currently considering the AstraZeneca vaccine," and added, "If more vaccine options become available later, adjustments will be made accordingly."

Jung emphasized, "Among the important essential activities prioritized for vaccination, the most representative are public officials traveling on official business," and added, "Especially those on essential official trips related to national defense or diplomacy, as well as athletes participating in the Olympics, are also considered."

Regarding the criteria for major economic activities, Jung said, "The relevant ministries will conduct the first review considering the social ripple effects, impact on national interests, infection risk in the countries visited, and the risk of importation upon return to Korea, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will make the final decision."

He stressed that priority vaccination for travelers on essential activities such as economic activities will be determined based on strict criteria.

Jung added, "Since the review process has just started, it is difficult to accurately estimate the scale," and said, "Following the recent amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, there is a penalty clause imposing a fine of 2 million won for false vaccination, so we will manage the process to ensure fair and equitable review and vaccination."

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