[Exclusive] Different Vaccination Intervals... Confusion Over Vaccine Switching in Large Corporations

About Ten Days Before Self-Vaccination
Notification of Change from Moderna to Pfizer
Disruptions Including Rescheduling of Factory Operation

On the 19th, when 'COVID-19 vaccination for high school seniors and high school staff' began, a high school senior is receiving a vaccine at Haenuri Town in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. July 19, 2021. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporters Choi Dae-yeol and Seo So-jeong] Although COVID-19 vaccination at large workplaces was scheduled to begin on the 27th, confusion is increasing on-site as authorities suddenly decided to change the vaccine type. Changing the vaccine also alters the vaccination interval, and there are concerns that production schedules could be disrupted as the plan was unilaterally pushed forward without considering the operational conditions at the sites.

According to industry sources on the 19th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), which is coordinating the vaccination schedule, informed the field staff responsible for vaccination at each workplace last week that the vaccine would be changed from Moderna to Pfizer. Previously, the health authorities and Ministry of Employment and Labor had accepted applications from large workplaces willing to conduct their own vaccinations, and 43 sites with about 300,000 people were scheduled to start self-vaccination from the 27th. The main targets included workplaces operating 24 hours with employees exposed to the "3 Cs" (closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings) and having affiliated clinics capable of administering vaccinations on-site.

The issue lies in the vaccination interval. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines requiring two doses, but Moderna’s second dose is administered 4 weeks (28 days) after the first, while Pfizer’s is given after 3 weeks (21 days). Workplaces had planned their operational schedules based on the previously announced Moderna vaccination, but now, with only about ten days left, they must completely readjust factory operation schedules.

An official from a major corporation said, "We have adjusted the entire work schedule considering 1-2 days of vaccine leave after vaccination," adding, "In factories operating 24 hours with two or three shifts, it is difficult to change the entire vaccination schedule in a short period." An industry insider stated, "We have not yet received an official document from the KDCA and are still discussing at the working level, but it is true that pushing this unilaterally without considering on-site conditions is burdensome."

Large workplaces’ self-vaccination was promoted as part of measures to accelerate herd immunity. The authorities supply the vaccines, and each workplace is responsible for administering them. Each workplace was also tasked with preparing vaccination order, cold storage facilities for vaccines, and vaccination sites independently. Since the number of vaccinations per medical staff member is limited, some workplaces may find it difficult to change the vaccination interval.

As on-site confusion increased, the authorities reportedly decided to send an official letter today requesting cooperation. Some workplaces have inquired whether it is possible to maintain a 4-week interval for Pfizer vaccinations, similar to Moderna.

The KDCA stated, "Considering the fluid situation regarding the scale of vaccinations by target groups and vaccine supply timing starting in July, the vaccine type may change," and added, "We will decide in consultation with the Ministry of Employment and Labor."

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