Surge in Severe COVID-19 Cases and Deaths "Main Cause is Reduced Vaccine Effectiveness Amid Large-Scale Outbreak"

On the 5th, students are waiting for testing at the 'Mobile Screening Clinic' near the academy district in Daechi-dong. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Health authorities have identified the recent sharp increase in severe COVID-19 cases and deaths as primarily due to the large scale of community transmission combined with the waning effectiveness of vaccines over time after completion of vaccination.

On the afternoon of the 10th, Park Young-jun, head of the epidemiological investigation team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated at a COVID-19 briefing, "The two main factors behind the recent rise in severe cases and deaths are the large scale of community spread and the gradual decrease in vaccine preventive effectiveness over time," explaining this as the cause.

However, Park noted that despite the number of confirmed cases in the recent fourth wave being about twice that of the third wave, the scale of severe cases and deaths has been similarly suppressed, attributing this to the effects of vaccination. He emphasized, "During the third wave, the daily average number of confirmed cases was in the 1,000 range, whereas since July in the fourth wave, the daily average has increased to 1,500?2,000, more than double. Yet, when comparing severe cases and deaths, the numbers are similar. Compared to the third wave before vaccinations began, if the number of confirmed cases is this high, the number of severe cases and deaths should have roughly doubled to show similar figures."

He continued, "The recent increase in severe cases and deaths compared to September and October is primarily because the prolonged fourth wave has increased exposure opportunities. Additionally, in a situation with a high vaccination rate, the reduced effectiveness over time is a general phenomenon," explaining that this is considered the main factor.

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