[Full Text] Hong Nam-gi Acting Prime Minister's Public Address on COVID-19 Vaccination

by Moon Chaeseok

Published 26 Apr.2021 10:17(KST)

Announcement of the 'COVID-19 Vaccine Public Address' on the 26th

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Hong Nam-ki, Acting Prime Minister, announced on the 26th, "Through an additional purchase contract of 40 million doses of Pfizer vaccines, we have secured vaccine supplies for 99 million people."

Acting Prime Minister Hong stated in the 'COVID-19 Vaccine Public Address' held at the Government Seoul Office at 10 a.m. on the same day, "This additional purchase of Pfizer vaccines has laid the foundation to advance the timing of achieving herd immunity."

Hong Nam-ki, Acting Prime Minister, delivering a public address on COVID-19 vaccines at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 26th. (Image source=Yonhap News)

The full text of the address is as follows:

Dear respected citizens,

I am the Acting Prime Minister.

First, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all citizens who have actively participated in quarantine efforts under shared hardship to overcome the COVID-19 crisis despite the difficult circumstances.

The government has focused on quarantine responses to overcome COVID-19 while prioritizing the 'introduction and administration of vaccines for the fundamental eradication of COVID-19' with meticulous and thorough whole-of-government efforts.

Through this, in addition to the previously contracted 152 million doses of vaccines, equivalent to 79 million people, we signed an additional contract last weekend with Pfizer for 20 million people’s worth of vaccines.

As a result, we have secured a total of 192 million doses, equivalent to 99 million people’s worth of vaccines.

There have been instances where inaccurate information has caused excessive public anxiety by pointing out vaccine shortages, but this is not true.

Today, as Acting Prime Minister, together with relevant ministers and heads of quarantine agencies, I stand here to transparently and clearly explain all aspects of vaccine-related situations, measures, and plans including vaccine procurement, vaccination, and safety, and to seek your understanding and cooperation.

'Sufficient secured quantity, smooth introduction as planned'

First, regarding vaccine supply, that is, vaccine procurement.

As mentioned earlier, with the additional purchase contract of 40 million doses of Pfizer vaccines, we have secured a total of 192 million doses, equivalent to 99 million people’s worth of vaccines. This amount corresponds to about twice (1.9 times) the entire population of our country,

and about three times (2.75 times) the vaccination target of 36 million people for herd immunity formation.

Even with the previous contracted amount of 152 million doses, equivalent to 79 million people, we had secured sufficient quantities to achieve herd immunity by November,

but through this additional Pfizer purchase,

we have laid the foundation to advance the timing of achieving herd immunity, and furthermore,

we can proactively prepare for additional demands such as expanding vaccination for those under 18 years old and third doses (so-called ‘booster shots’) to respond to variant viruses.

Except for vaccine-developing countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, and Israel (population 8.8 million), which secured vaccines early, all other countries face uncertainties in vaccine supply.

However, South Korea is one of the few countries with a domestic production base,

so the uncertainty of vaccine supply is relatively low, and

efforts to expand the domestic production base are continuously underway.

Now, I will explain the details related to vaccine introduction.

Of the 18.09 million doses of Pfizer and AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccines confirmed for introduction by the end of June in the first half of the year, 3.87 million doses have been supplied smoothly as planned so far,

especially in the case of Pfizer,

supplies have been regularly made every week since March 24.

Based on this, we plan to vaccinate 3 million people by the end of April.

Again, as of the 25th, there has been no case of delay in the vaccine supply volume contracted by the government with pharmaceutical companies.

From the last week of April to the end of May, 4.84 million doses, and in June, 9.38 million doses will be supplied sequentially. The total of these 18.09 million doses will allow 12 million people to be vaccinated in the first half of the year.

Moderna, Janssen vaccines, etc., are also planned to be partially introduced in the first half of the year,

and with these added, more than 12 million people can be vaccinated comfortably by the end of June.

About 80 million doses of vaccines are scheduled to be introduced in the third quarter,

which far exceeds the third-quarter vaccination target of 24 million people (the cumulative first-dose vaccination target by the third quarter is 36 million people).

Additionally, 90 million doses of vaccines are scheduled to be introduced in the fourth quarter,

which will be used for vaccination of those under 18 years old, third doses, and stockpiling for next year’s vaccinations.

The government will continue to explore the possibility of additional vaccine procurement beyond the vaccines secured so far while preparing for various situations,

and will respond promptly whenever additional introduction is deemed necessary.

Checking the safety and efficacy of vaccines other than those already contracted,

and monitoring vaccine approvals in the United States and Europe,

are all part of such efforts.

Also, South Korea is actively promoting plans to develop domestic vaccines and expand the domestic vaccine production base,

to develop into a global 'vaccine hub country' and stabilize domestic vaccine supply in the mid to long term. We will inform the public in detail as visible results emerge.

'Vaccination as planned with introduced vaccines → Achieving herd immunity by November'

Next, I will talk about the vaccination situation and plans.

As of yesterday, the number of vaccinated people has surpassed 2.26 million.

The government promised a vaccination plan for 3 million people by the end of April,

and we will achieve this goal through daily vaccinations of about 150,000 people this week.

Vaccination capacity is as important as vaccine procurement.

The vaccination infrastructure will be greatly expanded compared to before.

Specifically, the number of vaccination centers will increase from 204 to 267 by early May,

and private entrusted medical institutions for vaccination will expand from about 2,000 to about 14,000 by the end of May,

which will enable us to vaccinate more than 1.5 million people per day.

So far, priority groups have been set and vaccinations have been conducted in order, but

starting with vaccination of those aged 75 and older in April, the vaccination age will be lowered from May, and vaccination for the general public will be in full swing.

This will further accelerate the vaccination speed.

As promised to the public,

by the end of June in the first half of the year, we will complete at least one vaccination for 12 million people including the elderly, high-risk groups, quarantine and medical personnel,

and make this the starting point for recovery to daily life.

Also, as mentioned earlier, about 80 million doses of vaccines are scheduled to be introduced in the third quarter,

and based on this, we will complete the first dose vaccination for 36 million people, 70% of the entire population, by the end of September.

In particular, vaccination for school teachers and staff will be completed before the end of summer vacation.

Specific details will be shared through consultations with the Vaccination Expert Committee.

Based on these efforts, we will achieve herd immunity by November without fail.

Rather, based on the recently additionally secured vaccine supplies (40 million doses of Pfizer, etc.),

we will strive to advance the timing of herd immunity even one day earlier than November.

'Prioritizing public safety through safe and effective vaccination'

Next is the effort for safe and effective vaccination.

The government will devote full efforts not only to rapid vaccination but also to ensuring the safety of vaccines for the public above all else.

The vaccines secured by the government are globally recognized for safety and efficacy and are being administered.

Analysis of vaccination effects for those aged 75 and older shows,

100% efficacy for AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine and 93.2% for Pfizer vaccine, confirming vaccine effectiveness.

As vaccination of elderly people and workers in nursing hospitals and nursing homes is nearing completion, the proportion of severe COVID-19 patients and fatality rates have significantly decreased.

The proportion of severe patients dropped from 3.3% in December last year to 1.6% in March this year,

and the fatality rate decreased sharply from 2.7% to 0.5% during the same period.

The government is preparing so that those who have completed vaccination can enjoy a freer daily life when general public vaccination is in full swing this summer.

Specifically, we are reviewing measures to ease quarantine, including exemption from self-quarantine obligations upon contact with confirmed cases and upon entry and exit, using electronic vaccination certificates, and will report as details are finalized.

Meanwhile, the government understands the public’s concerns about vaccine safety issues. Public safety is the government’s top priority. We are thoroughly monitoring adverse reactions that may occur in connection with vaccination.

And in the unlikely event of vaccine-related adverse effects,

we assure that compensation will be provided under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Also, as in the recent unfortunate case of a female nursing assistant in her 40s,

regardless of causal relationship confirmation, the government plans to promptly provide national assistance such as priority medical expense support linked with existing medical welfare support systems.

Dear respected citizens,

As explained earlier,

the government has secured about 100 million doses of vaccines, equivalent to twice the entire population,

and will rapidly accelerate vaccination speed by greatly expanding vaccination infrastructure.

It is time to move beyond exhausting debates about vaccine supply and vaccination,

and focus national energy on how to achieve vaccination and herd immunity as quickly as possible for public safety and recovery of daily life.

To achieve herd immunity by November,

or even earlier,

government efforts alone are absolutely insufficient.

It cannot be achieved by the efforts of any single entity alone.

We ask the public to trust and actively participate and cooperate with the government’s explanations, plans, and guidance regarding vaccine procurement, vaccination, safety, and efficacy.

Active participation of each and every citizen is the starting point.

Finally, a request.

Masks are the 'first line of defense' that prevents infection to myself, my family, and neighbors,

so the defense must never be carelessly lifted anywhere or anytime.

Vaccines, through herd immunity formation,

are the 'semi-permanent defense' protecting our social community.

Therefore, when it is your turn to be vaccinated, please do not hesitate and get vaccinated,

building a strong defense that protects yourself, your family, and our social community.

Protecting the safety and lives of the people is the government’s most fundamental responsibility and top priority.

The government will deeply keep this in mind and devote itself unwaveringly to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and achieving vaccination goals.

Especially, we will spare no effort to achieve the vaccination of 3 million people by the end of April, 12 million by the end of June in the first half,

36 million first-dose vaccinations by the end of September, and the herd immunity goal by November.

April 26, 2021