Authorities: "For ages 55-59, vaccinations after Sept 9 if booked today... Most under 40s from September" (Summary)

"Only Some Aged 18-49 Vaccinated in August Even If Booked in August"

On the 7th, as 1,212 new COVID-19 cases were reported signaling the start of the 4th wave, citizens lined up to get tested at a screening clinic set up at Mapo-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the COVID-19 vaccination pre-booking for those aged 55 to 59 resumes from 8 PM on the 14th, the government announced, "If you make a reservation today, you can mainly book for August 9 to 14." Previously, the pre-booking for this age group was temporarily suspended after all 1.85 million vaccine doses secured by around 3 PM on the first day of the reservation on the 12th were exhausted.

Hong Jeong-ik, head of the Vaccination Management Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, explained at the COVID-19 briefing on the same day, "Even during the period from July 26 to August 7, when about 1.85 million people had already made reservations, if there are cancellations or changes, vacancies will open up for booking." He added, "However, if the number of people changing their reservations is not large, it is expected that bookings will mainly be available for August 9 to 14."

Regarding the background of resuming pre-booking despite no confirmed schedule for the additional introduction of Moderna vaccines after the suspension, Hong said, "Initially, reservations were accepted with the plan to vaccinate those aged 55 to 59 over two weeks starting July 26, but the supply timing to medical institutions was not fixed because the arrival date of the last week's July supply was uncertain, which led to the suspension of reservations." He continued, "By adjusting the schedule to not vaccinate between August 2 and 7 and to start vaccination from the 9th, vaccines can be delivered to medical institutions regardless of the arrival time."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, to improve the issue of long waiting times caused by a surge in applications on the first day of pre-booking, the authorities have subdivided the reservation times by age group for those aged 50 to 54 starting from the 19th. Those aged 53 to 54 can make reservations from 8 PM on the 19th to 6 PM on the 20th, and those aged 50 to 52 can book from 8 PM on the 20th to 6 PM the following day. From 8 PM on the 21st, reservations can be made regardless of age group.

However, concerns about connection congestion during the early stages of vaccination have not completely disappeared. Jeong Woo-jin, head of the System Management Team, said, "We adjusted the times for the convenience of the public, but we are proceeding while accepting some risk of congestion." He urged, "We ask that you try to access during less busy times rather than immediately at the opening."

Jeong also emphasized, "The types of failures that occurred while operating the pre-booking system are more likely network issues rather than server problems, strictly speaking." He added, "Although it was reported that 800,000 people were waiting, the actual number of people who made reservations during that time was about 20,000 to 30,000, so the actual proportion of those who proceeded with reservations was not that high."

Meanwhile, as the vaccination for those aged 50 to 54 has been delayed by a week from the original schedule, concerns have arisen that the vaccination for those aged 18 to 49 may also be delayed. Regarding this, Hong said, "We are currently preparing the August vaccination plan," and added, "We are planning to start reservations in August and complete all vaccinations over August and September." He clarified, "While some vaccinations will take place in August, it does not mean that all people aged 18 to 49 will be vaccinated next month."

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