Despite Delegation Dispatch, Vaccine Supply Remains Opaque... "Moderna to Notify Supply Plan for August-September This Weekend"

Kang Do-tae, the 2nd Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, is departing through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 13th to resolve the supply disruption of Moderna vaccines from the US pharmaceutical company. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The government delegation visited Moderna's headquarters in the United States on the 13th (local time), and the results of negotiations regarding the delay in the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine were disclosed. Although a promise was made to increase the supply volume by September beyond the already notified amount and to promote early supply, the actual specific volume and schedule are still undecided.

Kang Do-tae, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare (Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters), announced the results of the negotiations during a regular briefing on the 17th, stating, "Moderna has committed to doing its best to supply more doses than previously notified and to early supply by September to restore trust with Korea, and they agreed to notify us of the specific volume and supply schedule by the end of this week."

The government delegation, consisting of Vice Minister Kang Do-tae and Ryu Geun-hyuk, Social Policy Secretary of the Blue House, among four members, visited Moderna's headquarters on the 13th (local time) and held a three-hour discussion with Moderna's Chief Commercial Officer Corinne Le Goff and other officials to secure vaccine supply stability. Vice Minister Kang said, "The delegation expressed strong regret and protest over Moderna's final supply schedule reversal," and Moderna apologized for the difficulties caused to the Korean government and people due to the priority supply disruption, explaining the causes of the vaccine supply disruption and stating that the problem has been almost resolved."

However, through these negotiations, the actual quantity and supply schedule of vaccines that Moderna plans to supply by next month have not yet been finalized. Vice Minister Kang explained, "The specific supply schedule will be announced later within the scope that can be disclosed after consultation with Moderna." Moderna is known to plan to notify our side of the supply schedule and volume by this weekend (21st-22nd).

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine [Image Source=Yonhap News]

The plan for the domestic introduction of Moderna vaccines produced by Samsung Biologics, which was expected to be disclosed on this day, remains undecided. Vice Minister Kang stated, "From the perspective of securing vaccine supply stability and streamlining distribution processes, we expressed the opinion that it is desirable for the domestically consigned production volume to be supplied domestically," but added, "Considering that consigned production and various quality inspections and approval procedures take a considerable amount of time, we agreed to continue consultations."

Currently, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which Samsung Biologics is contracted to produce as finished products (DS), is scheduled for pilot production by the end of this month. However, considering the time required for quality inspection and approval procedures, it is expected that the vaccines produced by Samsung Biologics will actually be introduced domestically and used for vaccination only in October.

The authorities maintain that even if there are disruptions in the supply of Moderna vaccines, there will be no significant setback in achieving the current goal of completing vaccination for 70% of the population (36 million people) by November. Vice Minister Kang said, "Regarding achieving the target of over 70%, we have already revised the vaccination plan reflecting uncertainties in vaccine supply," and added, "We believe the target is achievable." However, he added, "If Moderna sends an improved supply plan this time, it seems that achieving the target will be more stable."

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