Hospital Administered Half Dose of AZ... Authorities Say "No Re-vaccination If Over Half of Recommended Dose Given"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] As it was confirmed that a hospital in Incheon administered only half the standard dose of AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine, authorities have launched an accurate investigation into the situation.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 12th through a reference document that they are investigating the exact vaccine dosage administered to the recipients.

According to an investigation by the Namdong-gu Public Health Center in Incheon, it was revealed that a hospital in the area administered about half of the standard dose (0.5㎖) of the AstraZeneca vaccine to around 40 people. It is known that the hospital explained to the vaccine recipients that "receiving about half the vaccine dose results in fewer adverse reactions."

The KDCA's policy is not to re-administer the vaccine if more than half of the prescribed dose was given. According to the "COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation Guidelines" prepared by referring to the standards of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if less than the recommended dose is administered, the decision on re-vaccination depends on the amount given.

If more than half the dose was administered, no additional vaccination is required. However, if less than half the dose was given or if the dosage ratio cannot be estimated, the authorized dose must be immediately administered in the opposite arm.

If a larger amount than the recommended dose was administered, medical staff must promptly inform the vaccine recipient and monitor for adverse reactions. Additionally, the related information must be reported to the vaccination registration system. The second dose should proceed as scheduled.

The recommended standard doses by vaccine are: AstraZeneca 0.5㎖, Pfizer 0.3㎖, and Janssen 0.5㎖.

In clinical trials so far, overdose recipients did not show serious side effects, but many reported pain at the injection site.

For vaccines diluted to a maximum volume of 4㎖ exceeding the dose per vial, more than half of the recommended dose can be administered.

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