Starting Today, COVID-19 Vaccinations for 12th Graders... Repeat Test Takers to Receive Vaccinations in August

Delay Vaccination if Infection Suspected or in Isolation
Request to Avoid High-Intensity Exercise for 7 Days After Vaccination

On the 19th, when COVID-19 vaccinations began for high school seniors and school staff, students are waiting to receive the vaccine at the vaccination center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Starting from the 19th, COVID-19 vaccinations will begin for high school seniors (Grade 12 students) and high school staff. Repeat test-takers (N-su students) who will take the September mock exam will be next in line for priority vaccination in August.

The Ministry of Education announced that vaccinations for high school seniors and staff will be conducted from the 19th to the 31st. This applies to 3,184 institutions nationwide, including high schools, authorized alternative schools, unauthorized educational facilities, and lifelong education facilities recognized for academic credit. Eligible individuals include high school seniors currently enrolled or on leave, as well as early graduates planning to apply for the 2022 college entrance exam. Staff members, including dispatched personnel and all instructors and employees who have close contact with students at schools, will also be vaccinated.

If adverse reactions occur after vaccination, absences up to two days post-vaccination will be recognized as excused absences. From the third day onward, absences will be treated as sick leave and require a doctor's diagnosis or medical opinion letter.

Vaccination should be postponed if infection is suspected, if the individual is quarantined, or if acute symptoms such as fever are present. In cases of postponed vaccination, the schedule will be individually communicated later.

On the 19th, COVID-19 vaccinations for high school seniors and school staff began, and students are undergoing pre-vaccination screening at the vaccination center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated in their guidance that "severe allergic reactions may rarely occur, and myocarditis or pericarditis can develop." High-intensity exercise should be avoided for seven days after vaccination. The KDCA advised, "If fever or muscle pain occurs, take antipyretics as needed, and avoid high-intensity activities such as swimming, heavy weightlifting, cycling, or running after the first and second doses."

Vaccinations for repeat test-takers and out-of-school youth preparing for college entrance exams will take place in August. The Ministry of Education plans to vaccinate those who applied for the September mock exam and consented to vaccination. Out-of-school youth aged 16 to 24 who have passed the high school equivalency exam or registered for the August exam and are applying for the 2022 college entrance exam are also prioritized for vaccination in August.

Meanwhile, as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety expanded the authorized age for the Pfizer vaccine to include those aged 12 and older, the KDCA is considering expanding vaccinations to adolescents aged 12 to 15. A Ministry of Education official stated, "The decision on expanding the vaccination range is made by the KDCA and is currently under discussion by an expert committee," adding, "In the United States, Pfizer vaccinations were given to those aged 12 and older, but it was optional, not mandatory."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye said, "We are closely monitoring adverse reactions after vaccination. If chest pain or difficulty breathing persists, immediate medical consultation is necessary. We also ask that high-intensity exercise and activities be avoided for about a week after vaccination."

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