'600 Million Doses of Moderna Scheduled for Introduction This Week... Authorities Say "Not a Contract Confirmation, Schedule Under Discussion"'

"Results of Discussions During Government Delegation's Visit to the U.S. Received Later via Email"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government has agreed to receive 6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna by the end of this week, but it stated that the specific delivery schedule is still under negotiation. It also explained that this supply schedule has not been formally confirmed in writing.

On the 30th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, said at the COVID-19 vaccine briefing, "We are continuing negotiations with Moderna," regarding the vaccine supply schedule for this week, adding, "The supply date and quantity are usually not disclosed; we announce it only when the doses actually arrive."

He continued, "Weekly delivery quantities are also usually not disclosed, but this time it was announced because the supply schedule was readjusted."

However, when asked whether the agreement to receive 6 million doses of the Moderna vaccine by the 5th of this month is specified in any document, he replied, "It is not confirmed in writing." Son explained, "It is not contractually guaranteed. The government delegation previously visited the United States for negotiations, and afterwards, we only received emails. The details were finalized by Moderna following those discussions."

The government has signed a contract with Moderna in the United States to procure 40 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within this year. However, only 3,472,000 doses have actually arrived in the country so far, which is less than 10% of the total contracted amount.

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