Omicron Infection After Third Dose Also Occurs Domestically... Authorities Emphasize "Additional Vaccination Essential to Prevent Severe Cases"

Passengers using passenger planes appeared red on thermal imaging cameras on the morning of the 29th, when the Omicron variant, which is more contagious than the Delta variant (India), emerged in 13 countries recently. (Thermal imaging camera shot) / Photo by Airport Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] For the first time in South Korea, there has been a case of infection with the Omicron variant even after the third dose (booster shot) of the COVID-19 vaccine. This proves that infection with the Omicron variant can occur despite receiving a booster shot. Experts emphasize that while the third dose cannot completely prevent breakthrough infections, it is essential for preventing severe illness and other effects.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 19th, among the 178 confirmed Omicron variant cases in South Korea to date, 4 were infected after receiving the booster shot, and these individuals currently have mild symptoms.

Among the 4 cases, 2 are Korean nationals in their 30s who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine as their primary vaccination and then received a booster shot. One received the Janssen booster on the 19th of last month, entered South Korea from the United States on the 3rd of this month, and was confirmed positive in Gyeongnam on the 7th. Another Janssen vaccine recipient received a Moderna booster on the 13th of last month, entered from the United Kingdom on the 12th of this month, and tested positive in Seoul on the 14th.

The other 2 cases were reported in Jeonnam and are related to arrivals from Iran and cases linked to Jeonbuk. One is in their 40s, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine as the primary dose and a Pfizer booster on the 5th of last month, and was confirmed positive on the 10th of this month. The other is in their 20s, who received the Pfizer vaccine as the primary dose and a Pfizer booster on the 9th of this month but tested positive on the 12th.

According to the UK government announcement, the booster shot showed over 90% effectiveness against the Delta variant but demonstrated over 70% effectiveness in preventing the Omicron variant. However, experts recommend actively participating in booster vaccinations as the third dose significantly increases protection against infection, severe illness, and death.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, an evaluation of 362,083 confirmed cases since April 3 assessed the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing severe progression. The group confirmed after the third dose had a 91.5% lower risk of progressing to severe illness (including death) compared to the unvaccinated confirmed group.

Compared to the group confirmed after the second dose, the group confirmed after the third dose among those aged 60 and older showed a 92.2% to 100% lower risk of progressing to severe illness (including death).

Research from Israel, which was the first to implement the third dose, reports that those who received the third dose had an 11 times higher infection prevention effect and a 20 times higher prevention effect against severe illness compared to those who only completed the second dose.

The Central Disease Control Headquarters emphasized, "The third dose is very important in responding to the Delta variant as well as the Omicron variant," adding, "UK research also confirmed that after the Pfizer third dose, the AstraZeneca group showed 94% effectiveness against the Delta variant and 71% against the Omicron variant, while the Pfizer group showed 93% effectiveness against Delta and 76% against Omicron, indicating increased infection prevention effects."

They added, "Especially since the risk of severe illness and death is high when infected with COVID-19, and the infection prevention effect decreases over time after vaccination, those aged 60 and older who have passed three months since their second dose must receive the third dose."

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