Due to 'Thrombosis' Controversy... Special and Health Teachers Under 60 Postpone AZ Vaccine Administration

"Proceed with Vaccination After Confirming EMA Review Results"

On the afternoon of the 15th, medical staff are demonstrating the preparation of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine at the COVID-19 vaccination center set up in the auditorium of Seongdong-gu Office in Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As controversy over blood clot formation related to AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine continues, the government has decided to temporarily suspend vaccinations for those under 60 years old. Vaccinations scheduled to begin on the 8th for special education and childcare workers, health teachers, and daycare nursing staff will also be postponed.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team held an expert advisory meeting on the 7th regarding COVID-19 vaccines and announced that the start of vaccinations for special education and childcare workers, health teachers, and daycare nursing staff will be delayed. The team explained, "Since the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is currently reviewing the possible link between the AstraZeneca vaccine and certain rare blood clot occurrences, we decided to wait for the results before proceeding."

Following this advisory meeting decision, the team will monitor the EMA investigation results, which are expected by the 9th, and then discuss whether to resume vaccinations. Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca vaccine for those under 60, which are already underway, will also be temporarily suspended. Additionally, similar cases domestically and internationally will be closely investigated, and guidance will be provided to ensure early recognition of adverse reactions after vaccination so that medical care can be sought promptly.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Promotion Team, stated, "This measure was taken proactively with the safety of COVID-19 vaccine recipients as the top priority. Based on the EMA's announcement, we will conduct in-depth discussions with domestic experts and respond swiftly."

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