Delay in First COVID-19 Vaccination for Those Aged 75 and Over... Due to Vaccination Center Capacity Issues (Update)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government explained that the delay in reservations for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 75 and older in Seoul and other areas is due to potential capacity issues at vaccination centers.

On the 30th, Bae Gyeong-taek, the Situation General Manager of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, stated at a regular briefing, "There is a sufficient supply of Pfizer vaccines for seniors aged 75 and above," adding, "However, since the vaccines are introduced into the country in weekly allotments, the allocation and delivery of vaccine supplies are planned and carried out on a weekly basis."

Bae explained, "Until the end of April, the focus was on the first dose," and continued, "Considering that the interval between Pfizer vaccine doses is three weeks starting in May, the demand for vaccines for the second dose among those who received the first dose is expected to increase."

He added, "Since focus is needed on the second dose, there could be capacity issues at vaccination centers on a weekly basis," and said, "To ensure the smooth administration of the second dose, local governments have been requested to refrain from making new reservations for the first dose, except for those already booked and for first doses at newly opened vaccination centers in May."

Bae also mentioned, "The focus will return to the first dose in mid to late May," and stated, "The plan is to complete the first dose for seniors aged 75 and above by June, so the vaccination targets for the second quarter are expected to be achieved without issues."

The government emphasized that the delay in new Pfizer vaccinations does not mean a 'halt' and is not due to a shortage of supply, as some have suggested.

Hwang Ho-pyeong, Team Leader of Vaccination Implementation 1 at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said, "The first doses scheduled until May will continue, and first doses will also continue at newly opened centers," adding, "Because the second dose is starting or will be concentrated, local governments have been asked to refrain from adding new first dose vaccinations."

This means that while April focused on the first dose, May will focus on the second dose.

Hwang explained, "Pfizer vaccinations are administered every three weeks, and recently the first dose was conducted intensively," adding, "Therefore, for Pfizer vaccines with a three-week interval, the second dose must be concentrated three weeks later."

He further stated, "Until the third week of May, the focus will be on the second Pfizer dose, and safety management for the second dose will be thoroughly conducted," adding, "Around the third week of May, new first dose vaccinations will resume."

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