COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccination Begins for Seniors Aged 75 and Older... "No Pain and Feeling Safe"

On the 1st, COVID-19 vaccinations for elderly people aged 75 and older began at the vaccination center set up in the Sports and Culture Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where seniors are receiving their shots. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] "The injection was just like any other, and it didn't hurt" (Park Yang-seong (85), Pfizer vaccine recipient aged 75 and over)

On the morning of the 1st, at the vaccination center set up in the Sports and Culture Hall in Songpa-gu, Seoul, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for the elderly aged 75 and over began.

Starting around 8:30 AM, earlier than the scheduled vaccination time, more than 11 elderly people began waiting for their shots. Some vaccination candidates arrived with guardians or in wheelchairs.

After completing procedures such as filling out the preliminary examination form and measuring body temperature, the first vaccination of the day began at around 9:07 AM with Park Yang-seong (85). Receiving the shot with the nurse’s words, "Don't be nervous. Relax your arm," Park said, "I feel more reassured because Pfizer is said to be safe," adding, "I will have to see how it goes, but I think it will be fine." He also mentioned that his wife was scheduled to receive the vaccination that morning.

Another vaccine recipient, Seo Jeong-ok (86), said, "It hurts less than being pricked by a thorn," reporting no significant pain. Seo, who said, "I got vaccinated because I was worried my grandchildren and children might get infected," added, "I was reluctant to get vaccinated because the senior center said it was risky, but I decided to get the Pfizer vaccine." Despite underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, Seo took blood pressure medication and antipyretics before vaccination.

Those vaccinated that day received a vaccination confirmation card indicating the date for their second dose three weeks later and waited about 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse reactions before going home.

Starting with elderly people aged 75 and older, the first COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public began on the morning of the 1st at the vaccination center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where an elderly person is seen moving after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, who visited the site that day, said, "We prepared four buses for the convenience of transportation for vaccine recipients," and added that safety personnel were deployed, wheelchairs and magnifying glasses were provided, and a cooperative system with fire, military, police, and large hospitals was established to respond to adverse reactions.

Kang Mi-ae, Health Planning Team Leader at Songpa-gu Public Health Center, explained, "The Pfizer vaccine requires careful management," and said the center operates by maintaining an ultra-low temperature freezer storage system and thawing the vaccine according to the next day's appointments. She also noted that since the vaccine recipients are elderly, "many have difficulty moving," so one-on-one administrative assistants are assigned, and in addition to notification texts, community leaders make welfare calls and visit homes if contact cannot be made, ensuring thorough preparation.

The center plans to vaccinate 40 people per hour from 9 AM to 3 PM, totaling 240 people per day.

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