330,000 More Fully Vaccinated on the 24th... Vaccination Rate at 70.1%

by Choi Daeyul

Published 24 Oct.2021 10:21(KST)

Updated 23 Jan.2025 17:07(KST)

open/close

COVID-19 Vaccination Promotion Team Announces Vaccination Status

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] As of the 24th, the number of people who have completed COVID-19 vaccination reached 332,557, bringing the total cumulative vaccinations to 35,975,412. The vaccination rate relative to the population is 70.1%, and based on those aged 18 and over, it is 81.5%.

According to the vaccination status data announced by the COVID-19 Vaccination Promotion Team on the same day, the number of new first-dose vaccinations was 51,227, increasing the total first-dose vaccinations to 40,764,241. The vaccination rate based on the population for the first dose is 79.4% (91.8% for those aged 18 and over).

By vaccine type, the number of Pfizer vaccine completions increased by about 179,000 compared to the previous day, and Moderna vaccinations increased by approximately 148,000. AstraZeneca (including cross-vaccinations) increased by about 5,600, and those who received the Janssen vaccine increased by 505.

Earlier, the Promotion Team announced that as of 2 p.m. on the 23rd, the vaccination completion rate had reached 70%. This marks 240 days since vaccinations began in late February of this year. The rate surpassed 30% on August 31 and 50% on September 30, showing a gradually accelerating pace of vaccination.

According to the Promotion Team, South Korea’s vaccination rate is faster or similar compared to countries that started vaccinations earlier, such as France (67.4%), the United Kingdom (66.7%), Japan (69.0%), and the United States (56.5%). The Promotion Team stated, "Due to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, achieving herd immunity to end the pandemic is impossible," but added, "Achieving vaccination goals is a significant prerequisite for reducing severe cases and mortality rates and for beginning the phased return to normal life (With-Corona transition)."