'AZ Jan-yeobaeksin' Not to Be Taken by 3040, Sold Out Immediately After Release... Medical Association "Serious Concern"

On the First Day of AstraZeneca (AZ) Vaccine Age Change, Remaining Vaccine Reservations Sold Out
KMA "Concerns Over Difference Between Recommended Vaccination Age and Opportunity Age Group"

(As of 10 PM on the 17th) The remaining vaccines at hospitals near Jung-gu, Seoul, are all marked as 'Waiting'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Contrary to concerns that people in their 30s would avoid the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, it has actually proven to be quite popular.

On the 17th, Kim Gi-nam, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Planning Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Headquarters, stated, "There are already many people who have received or booked the AZ vaccine."

At the regular briefing that day, Kim explained, "The number of AZ vaccine administrations is increasing, and there are already many recipients and reservations. We believe this helps reduce the amount of leftover vaccine discarded at medical institutions and aids in finding eligible recipients for vaccination."

In fact, on the first day the government changed the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine eligibility to '30 years and older,' contrary to concerns, leftover vaccine reservations through Naver and Kakao were quickly sold out.

Initially, the quarantine authorities only allowed AZ vaccinations for those aged 50 and above due to vaccine shortages. However, to prevent mass disposal of AZ vaccines, from that day forward, vaccinations were permitted for those aged 30 and above but only for leftover vaccines.

Regarding this, Kim explained, "Those under 49 are basically being scheduled to receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. However, if someone wants to get vaccinated quickly using leftover vaccines, those aged 30 and above can choose the AZ vaccine."

Meanwhile, the Korean Medical Association expressed concerns about the authorities lowering the AZ vaccine age limit. On the same day, the KMA COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee released a statement saying, "We express serious concerns about the difference between the absolute recommended vaccination age and the age at which vaccination opportunities are granted to those who wish to receive it."

The committee explained, "An analysis of the 'Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Adverse Reaction Report' released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 11th of this month showed that the risk of adverse events relative to preventive effects is relatively higher for the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in those under 50 compared to other vaccines. Even if they wish to receive it, it is considered risky to prioritize this group."

According to the international academic journal The Lancet, an analysis of data from the UK, the US, and Sweden showed that systemic side effects were higher for both AZ and Pfizer vaccines in those aged 55 and under. The KMA's position is that further discussion is needed before administering this vaccine to those under 50.

The KMA stated, "We need to communicate with the association to propose measures based on more objective and expert insights and prepare appropriate recommendations."

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