COVID-19 Vaccination Begins for 16-17 Year Olds: "Looking Forward to In-Person Classes and Family Trips"

No Vaccination Without Parental Consent

On the morning of the 18th, adolescents aged 16 to 17 are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at Hongik Hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] "If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, I think I’ll be able to hang out with my friends and move around more comfortably while studying."

"There are definitely many shortcomings with online classes compared to in-person classes, so I want to switch to in-person classes quickly and meet my friends."

On the first day of COVID-19 vaccinations for adolescents aged 16-17 (born in 2004-2005) on the 18th, teenagers who received the Pfizer vaccine at Hongik Hospital, a designated medical institution in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, expressed their hopes for a return to normal life.

Vaccinations for adolescents aged 16-17 will be conducted nationwide at designated medical institutions for four weeks from today until July 13. Pre-registration began on the 5th, and as of midnight on the 18th, 499,000 (55.5%) out of 899,000 adolescents aged 16-17 had completed their reservations. Those wishing to be vaccinated can participate in pre-registration until 6 p.m. on the 29th.

Kim Kyung-hoon, a student who received the vaccine that morning, said, "I was determined to get vaccinated no matter what, and when I heard I could get it on the 18th, I came as soon as possible." He added, "Not many of my friends are worried about side effects." Student Han Jung-hoon said, "My parents were worried because they said my arm might hurt, but I think it will be okay." He continued, "I’m not too worried about infection because I wear a mask and use hand sanitizer, but I came to get vaccinated hoping COVID-19 will end soon." Since adolescents can take up to three days off including the vaccination day, many are getting vaccinated with this in mind.

On the morning of the 18th, teenagers aged 16 to 17 are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at Hongik Hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Tension was palpable at the designated medical institution starting adolescent vaccinations. Lee Do-kyung, head of the Pediatrics Department at Hongik Hospital, who was in charge of the preliminary examination, said, "Adults often come already roughly informed about vaccine side effects through newspapers and other media, but children are not, so we have to explain carefully." He added, "We explain to children when they should ask their parents for help if symptoms occur."

Kim Hye-jung, head of External Cooperation at Hongik Hospital, explained, "Adolescents receive the same dose of the Pfizer vaccine as adults, but it is administered with a thinner gauge needle." She said, "There are 23-gauge and 25-gauge needles, and since thinner needles hurt less, we use the 23-gauge needle. The public health center has been very attentive."

Verification of 16-17-year-olds is done through photo ID such as a student ID or passport, and a school record with an official seal. If accompanied by a guardian, a preliminary examination form completed by the guardian must be submitted. If unaccompanied, a consent form and preliminary examination form completed by the guardian must be submitted, and vaccination consent must be confirmed by phone with the guardian. If phone contact cannot be made, vaccination cannot proceed.

Medical staff noted that the preliminary examination for adolescents takes twice as long as for adults. They check temperature, health status, medications, underlying conditions, and allergies. Recently, a section on capillary leak syndrome was added to the preliminary examination form.

Dr. Lee advised, "Fever, muscle pain, headache, flu-like symptoms, pain at the injection site, and nausea can generally occur for about 2-3 days." He added, "If breathing difficulties, chest tightness, palpitations, pressure, or fainting-like symptoms occur, these may be signs of myocarditis, and the patient should go to the emergency room immediately." He urged guardians to closely observe their children so they can describe their symptoms in detail and respond appropriately.

After vaccination, student Park Joo-young said, "My older sister, I, and my parents have all been vaccinated," and smiled, "Because of COVID-19, we haven’t been able to travel, but once the vaccinations are complete, I really want to travel with my family."

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