Jeong Eun-kyeong "Difficult to Agree with Vaccine Futility Theory... Use Term '3rd Dose' Instead of Additional Vaccination" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] Jeong Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), recently expressed difficulty agreeing with the notion that COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective due to the increase in breakthrough infections, emphasizing once again the importance of the third dose (booster shot).

At the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 2nd, Commissioner Jeong stated, "As vaccinations progress, the preventive effect against infection decreases over time, which is why the third dose is being administered. Therefore, it is difficult to agree with the claim that vaccines are ineffective," adding, "Vaccines still have a high effect not only in preventing infection but also in preventing severe illness and death."

In particular, Commissioner Jeong urged that since vaccine effectiveness decreases over time, the third dose to boost immunity at once is absolutely necessary.

He said, "It is not yet known how the Omicron variant affects vaccine effectiveness," and added, "Analyses are currently underway through countries where confirmed cases have occurred and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine how this variant impacts vaccine efficacy and effectiveness. It will be necessary to review those analysis results before making judgments."

Commissioner Jeong noted, "So far, there have been a total of nine confirmed or suspected cases of the Omicron variant in South Korea, with about two of them vaccinated and the rest unvaccinated," and said, "It is inappropriate to judge vaccine effectiveness or argue vaccine ineffectiveness based on just a few cases."

Additionally, health authorities announced that they will use the term 'third dose' instead of 'booster shot' going forward.

Commissioner Jeong explained, "There is still uncertainty about how many COVID-19 vaccine doses constitute the completion of the primary vaccination series," and added, "Using the number of doses makes it easier for the public to remember, and considering the management of subsequent additional vaccinations, we will use the term 'third dose.'"

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