Delegation to Resolve Moderna Supply 'Half Cut' Departs on the 13th

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] As Moderna unilaterally notified that it would reduce the supply volume of 8.5 million doses of vaccines originally scheduled to be delivered to Korea this month to less than half, a delegation will depart for the United States on the 13th to express protest and seek solutions.

On the morning of the 12th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated during the COVID-19 briefing, "A delegation of four, including Kang Do-tae, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, and Ryu Geun-hyuk, Secretary for Social Policy at the Blue House, will be dispatched to Moderna headquarters for negotiations." They will depart from Incheon Airport to Boston at around 9:30 a.m. on the 13th. After negotiations with Moderna on the afternoon of the 13th (local time), they plan to depart from New York at 5:20 p.m. on the 15th (local time) and return to Incheon Airport by the afternoon of the 16th.

Son said, "Our delegation will hold talks with those responsible for vaccine sales at Moderna headquarters," but added, "It is difficult to disclose specific details, so we will inform you after coordination following the negotiations."

Regarding the criticism that, to convey protest, it would be more appropriate to summon Moderna officials rather than dispatch our delegation, Son responded, "The situation is not favorable, making it unrealistic, and I do not think summoning would be a stronger measure." He explained, "The purpose of dispatching the delegation is to strongly protest the changes in the originally notified schedule and supply timeline and to stabilize supply to prevent recurrence. We believe that visiting Moderna is a more forceful way to protest and prevent recurrence."

Son also explained that sending not only officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare but also Secretary Ryu Geun-hyuk from the Blue House is a way to convey a stronger message. He said, "To express the strongest protest, we are sending personnel with actual responsibility. Not only the Ministry of Health and Welfare but also the Blue House is involved to appeal our government's determination and responsibility in the negotiation process to Moderna."

The results of the negotiations with Moderna are expected to be announced as early as the 16th, when the delegation returns. Son added, "It requires follow-up work to announce the details of the negotiations, so it is difficult to finalize and announce by Sunday afternoon. The schedule is somewhat flexible depending on the meeting results, and we will inform you accordingly."

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