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On the 22nd, as the number of people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine surpassed 15 million, with the vaccination rate approaching 30%, the vaccination center in Dongjak-gu, Seoul was seen. As of midnight that day, the number of people who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increased by 20,231, reaching a cumulative total of 15,039,998. This accounts for 29.3% of the total population. The number of people who have completed both doses reached 4,167,533, representing 8.1% of the entire population. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] COVID-19 vaccinations for high school seniors (Grade 12 students) will begin in mid-July. Concerns about side effects are spreading as U.S. health authorities have added warnings about heart disease occurrences among younger populations. Some schools are also reportedly pressuring students to get vaccinated, leading to student complaints.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Education and the COVID-19 Vaccination Promotion Team are confirming eligible recipients to start Pfizer vaccinations for high school seniors and school staff from the week of August 19. The vaccination schedule for seniors will be finalized through coordination between local education offices and vaccination centers.

There are criticisms that the vaccination process for seniors is being rushed. Recently, cases of myocarditis have been reported among teenage males after receiving Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in the U.S., increasing students' anxiety.

Despite insufficient verification, the schedule is being hurried to meet deadlines. Students are also concerned about a coercive atmosphere during the process of confirming vaccination consent.

A high school senior in Seoul said, "The school said we must get vaccinated during the vacation before returning to school, so it feels like vaccination is mandatory," adding, "I didn't know it was a choice."

On the 25th (local time), the U.S. FDA added a warning about the possibility of myocarditis after vaccination. The U.S. CDC is also compiling warnings about increased myocarditis and pericarditis cases among young males after the second dose compared to the first.

The Vaccination Promotion Team stated that they are closely reviewing the U.S. CDC's findings that the incidence of myocarditis among young people vaccinated with mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna was higher than expected. However, no cases of myocarditis or other heart diseases have been reported domestically after vaccination.

Kim Ki-nam, Head of the Vaccination Planning Division at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Team, said at a briefing the day before, "We are discussing with experts to prepare countermeasures," and added, "We will proceed with vaccinations as planned but will ensure sufficient time to confirm consent."

On the morning of the 3rd, high school seniors preparing for the 2022 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) are getting ready for the June mock exam at Yeouido Girls' High School in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. A total of 482,899 students registered for the first mock exam of the 2022 CSAT, which has been reorganized into an integrated liberal arts and science format. Among them, 415,794 (86.1%) are current students, and 67,105 (13.9%) are graduates and others.

Students taking the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) other than high school seniors can take the exam regardless of vaccination status. However, those who do not apply for priority vaccination will be placed lower in the vaccination queue.

Another high school senior said, "I'm afraid of side effects, but most of my friends plan to get vaccinated," adding, "Since we might have to remove masks during the exam, I want to get vaccinated first."

Students retaking the CSAT and other examinees, excluding high school seniors, can receive priority vaccination in August if they apply for the September CSAT mock exam. The application period for the September mock exam is from June 28 to July 8.

As the Ministry of Education decided to provide priority vaccination to applicants of the September mock exam, concerns have been raised about the difficulty of detecting false exam applications made solely to get vaccinated. On the university community platform 'Everytime,' posts suggesting paying the exam fee just to get vaccinated have also appeared.

The Ministry of Education has not presented clear measures against false applications. They believe there will be no problem since vaccinations for people under 40 will begin from late August.

An official from the Ministry of Education said, "Since the vaccination for the general public, which accounts for 70% of the population, is scheduled from late August to September, the number of retakers applying for the September mock exam just to get the Pfizer vaccine is expected to be low."

The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation stated, "Priority vaccination is being promoted by the Ministry of Education and health authorities to ensure the safe participation of examinees preparing for exams amid the COVID-19 situation. We ask that only those who will actually take the exam apply to ensure smooth test administration."

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