'Single Dose Only' Controversy: Professor Cheon Eun-mi Says "Severe Vaccine Allergy... Considered Writing a Will on Days with Serious Side Effects"

Professor Cheon Eun-mi, Department of Pulmonology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Photo by YTN Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Professor Cheon Eun-mi, a pulmonologist at Ewha Mokdong Hospital who encouraged COVID-19 vaccination on broadcasts, defended herself after it was revealed that she had not completed the vaccination (more than two doses), saying she experienced severe side effects after the first dose due to "extreme vaccine allergies and other unique physical conditions."

On the 3rd, Professor Cheon appeared on YTN's 'NewsQ' and explained, "I have always been allergic to most antibiotics, and during the H1N1 flu outbreak, I was in poor health when I received the vaccine. After that, I suffered serious side effects such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, which significantly weakened my immune system," adding, "I was unable to get vaccinated afterward. Then, I finally got vaccinated this time."

She continued, "As someone who treats COVID patients and provides information to viewers, I thought it was necessary to get vaccinated at least once, no matter what side effects might occur," and added, "I agonized a lot before getting the first dose. Honestly, some might have felt like they were risking their lives."

She said, "After vaccination, I experienced side effects such as dizziness severe enough to disrupt daily life, decreased vision, frequent bruising, and numbness, which prevented me from exercising normally for a considerable period," and noted, "My already low white blood cell count dropped even further."

However, Professor Cheon cautioned against excessive fear of vaccines. She stated, "These side effects can occur in people with special physical conditions like mine, but I understand that most people do not have problems. My parents and family have all been vaccinated."

In an interview with News1 on the same day, Professor Cheon expressed, "I hope the government establishes scientific criteria for people like me," and revealed, "Before getting the first COVID vaccine dose, I even considered quitting my medical career, but I ended up getting vaccinated and suffered side effects for three months. On severe days, I even thought about writing a will."

Meanwhile, Professor Cheon had encouraged vaccination in government promotional materials last March, saying, "Right now, it is important to vaccinate quickly and widely." However, on the 31st of last month, she sparked controversy by stating on YTN's 'News Live' that "I have only been able to get the first dose due to health reasons."

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