Prime Minister Kim: "Unvaccinated Young People Show Increased Severe Cases After Infection... Vaccine Effectiveness Is Sufficient"

COVID-19 Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum appealed to the younger generation on the 18th, saying, "Recently, cases of infection leading to severe illness have been increasing among young people who have not been vaccinated."

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim chaired the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting for COVID-19 at the Government Seoul Office and said, "Some people still avoid vaccination due to concerns about side effects," adding, "Vaccination is effective not only in reducing the risk of infection but also significantly lowering the chances of hospitalization and death."

As of today, the vaccination rate stands at 46.3%. Prime Minister Kim encouraged vaccination reservations, saying, "Tomorrow marks the completion of the first round of vaccination reservations for those aged 40 and below, conducted by a 10-day system," and "For those who could not participate this time, there are still opportunities to make reservations anytime before the Chuseok holiday."

Regarding unvaccinated individuals aged 60 and above, he warned, "They could be very vulnerable to the fourth wave caused by the Delta variant," and urged, "The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, together with local governments, should strengthen guidance and publicity to ensure that all unvaccinated elderly participate in vaccination without omission."

Prime Minister Kim stated, "Amid the great pain and difficulties faced by the public due to the ongoing high-intensity quarantine measures for over a month, the government will decide on the social distancing level again this week," and added, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters should listen carefully to the voices from the field through consultations with related ministries, discussions at the Living Quarantine Council, and gathering opinions from local governments, and prepare reasonable adjustment plans."

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