Yeosu-si, COVID-19 Vaccine 3rd Dose: 'Not Optional but Essential'

Increase in Neutralizing Antibodies... Same-Day Vaccination with Remaining Vaccines Possible

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do has urged citizens to actively participate in the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, anticipating that the spread of the Omicron variant will continue for the time being.

According to the city on the 3rd, since Omicron became the dominant strain last week, confirmed cases have been rapidly increasing, with a total of 366 cases (an average of 73.2 cases per day) reported during the five-day Lunar New Year holiday.

Based on domestic and international research results so far, the transmissibility of the Omicron variant is more than twice that of the Delta variant. Although its severity is lower than that of Delta, it is reported to be somewhat higher than influenza.

A city official emphasized that COVID-19 vaccination is highly effective against the Omicron variant and urged everyone to complete the third dose.

For the second dose, the infection prevention effect decreases over time, but the prevention of severe illness remains. It is known that those who have completed the third dose experience an increase in neutralizing antibodies, which greatly helps prevent infection.

The city official requested, “COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective response measure against the Omicron variant. Since anyone infected is at risk of severe illness or death, unvaccinated elderly individuals and those eligible for the third dose (three months after the second dose) who have not yet participated in vaccination should actively get vaccinated.”

They also emphasized that vaccination is “not optional but essential,” noting that the vaccination rate among foreigners, who have a lower vaccination rate than locals, and the infection rate among children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 are high.

Meanwhile, as of 00:00 on February 3, Yeosu City's COVID-19 vaccination rates are 87% for the second dose and 59.1% for the third dose. The vaccination rate for those aged 12 to 17 is 67% for the second dose.

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