Breakthrough Infection Rate Among Fully Vaccinated in Korea 0.099%... Highest Incidence in 80+ Age Group (Update)

On the 8th, when the additional COVID-19 vaccination (booster shot) began for Janssen vaccine recipients and inpatients, residents, and workers of nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, a Janssen vaccine recipient is receiving a booster shot at Yonsei With ENT Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The breakthrough infection rate among fully vaccinated individuals in South Korea was recorded at 0.099%.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 16th, the cumulative estimated cases of breakthrough infections after the primary vaccination series reached 35,620 out of 35,907,789 fully vaccinated people in the country, amounting to 0.099%.

The monthly breakthrough infection cases have surged each month: 2 in April, 7 in May, 116 in June, 1,180 in July, 2,757 in August, 8,898 in September, and 16,095 in October. In November, up to the 7th, an estimated 6,565 cases of breakthrough infections were reported.

By age group, the breakthrough infection rate was highest among those aged 80 and above at 0.183%.

By vaccine type, the breakthrough infection rate was highest for Janssen at 0.350% (349.6 cases per 100,000 vaccinated). This was followed by AstraZeneca at 0.171% (171.4 cases per 100,000), Pfizer at 0.064% (63.8 cases per 100,000), and Moderna at 0.008% (8.3 cases per 100,000). Among those who received mixed vaccinations, the rate was 0.117% (116.7 cases per 100,000).

Among the estimated breakthrough infection cases, 545 were severe or critical, and 170 resulted in death. Notably, among those aged 80 and above, severe or critical cases and deaths numbered 207 and 120 respectively, representing the largest proportions.

After booster vaccinations, there were 2 estimated breakthrough infection cases among 26,272 individuals who completed the booster dose (as of November 7), both in their 30s and having received the Pfizer vaccine.

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