[Q&A] When and How Much Pfizer Vaccine Will Arrive... Moderna Also 'Small Quantity' in Q2

On the 26th, when vaccinations for essential social workers such as police officers and firefighters began, Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, received the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine at the Jongno-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] The government announced that it has secured an additional 20 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, amounting to nearly twice the entire population of South Korea, and will now focus its efforts on accelerating the vaccination pace. Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki stated in a public address at the Government Seoul Office on the 26th, "We have secured a total of 192 million doses, equivalent to 99 million people," adding, "This lays the foundation to advance the timeline for achieving herd immunity." Below is a summary of the Q&A session following the Acting Prime Minister's public address.

Q. The additionally contracted Pfizer vaccines will be delivered sequentially starting from the third quarter. What is the specific timeline?

A. The government has procured 40 million doses (20 million people) of Pfizer vaccines this time, which are scheduled to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters. Therefore, the existing vaccination plan needs to be revised. In some ways, vaccinations could be administered faster or to more people. However, specific quantities cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality agreements with the pharmaceutical company.

Q. There are opinions suggesting that with the increased vaccine supply, individuals should be given the choice of vaccine. What is your view?

A. Given the volume of vaccines being introduced, rapid nationwide vaccination is necessary in a short period. Therefore, vaccinations are being prioritized based on vulnerability and risk of infection. To promote vaccination for the entire population more quickly and efficiently, it is considered necessary to continue deciding vaccines for each target group through the Vaccination Expert Committee rather than granting individuals the choice of vaccine.

Q. Earlier, the government announced that domestic pharmaceutical companies will begin contract manufacturing of vaccines approved overseas starting in August.

A. Contract manufacturing is currently underway. Since this involves private companies, once contracts are finalized, official announcements will be made immediately. This is separate from the 99 million doses secured so far.

Q. It was said that 2.71 million doses of Novavax, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines will arrive by the second quarter. Are these additional to the doses introduced in the first half?

A. The confirmed supply for the first half is 18.09 million doses. This amount is sufficient to vaccinate 12 million people and can cover about 4 million people for the second dose. The 2.71 million doses mentioned in the supply plan are from Novavax, Moderna, and Janssen, and efforts are ongoing with suppliers to bring these in during the first half. If successful, the total supply in the first half could reach up to 20.8 million doses by adding 2.71 million to the existing 18.09 million doses.

Q. Are the secured 100 million doses based on first-dose vaccinations?

A. Dividing the 100 million doses secured so far by the number of people corresponds to 50 million people. This is enough for two doses per person. There were various opinions this morning as well. Usually, one dose results in about 80% antibody formation, and two doses achieve over 90%. Therefore, the supply is intended for two doses. The goal is to complete first-dose vaccinations for 36 million people, which is 70% of the population, by the end of September, and to complete second-dose vaccinations for these individuals by November to establish herd immunity.

Q. Acting Prime Minister Hong recently said Moderna vaccines are scheduled for the third quarter. Could they arrive in the second quarter?

A. The 2.71 million doses include Novavax, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines. Efforts are ongoing to secure as many as possible, and a small portion of Moderna vaccines is expected to arrive.

Q. You mentioned that vaccinations for school teachers and staff will be completed before the end of summer vacation.

A. For those under 18, separate reviews, expert consultations, and discussions by the Vaccination Expert Committee are required before making decisions. According to the current plan, vaccinations for schools and students include teachers of first and second graders in elementary schools in the second quarter. As announced today, in the third quarter, vaccinations are planned for all other elementary, middle, and high school teachers and staff, excluding first and second grade elementary school teachers, during the summer vacation.

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