COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 5-11, Introduction Schedule and Vaccination Timing to Be Announced Next Month

Korea Pfizer Pharmaceutical's COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11, 'Comirnaty 0.1 mg/mL (for ages 5 to 11)'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] With the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 in South Korea, authorities will announce a detailed vaccination plan next month.

On the 23rd, Kwon Geun-yong, head of the Vaccination Management Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said at a media briefing, "Based on the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, we plan to establish a detailed vaccination plan and conduct expert reviews," adding, "Since the detailed plan needs to coordinate the vaccine import schedule and vaccination timing, we will prepare and announce it within March."

Kwon explained, "So far, assuming vaccine approval, we have sought the necessity of vaccination and expert opinions through pediatric and adolescent specialists and infectious disease specialists, and conducted research on parental acceptance of (pediatric vaccine) vaccination," adding, "In addition, through expert advisory meetings and the Vaccination Expert Committee, we have reviewed overseas vaccination status and effectiveness."

Regarding the quantity of Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine secured domestically, Kwon said, "The pediatric vaccine is included in the quantity contracted with Pfizer," and added, "It is difficult to specify the exact amount, but it has not yet been introduced domestically, and we are negotiating the import schedule."

On the same day, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved the COVID-19 vaccine 'Comirnaty 0.1 mg/mL (for ages 5-11)' imported by Pfizer Korea, which was applied for approval. Based on the analysis of clinical trial data submitted by Pfizer Korea and advice from the Central Pharmaceutical Review Committee, it was concluded that the safety and efficacy of Comirnaty for ages 5 to 11 can be recognized.

They also emphasized that the vaccine approved this time has already been authorized or granted emergency use approval in 62 countries including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada, and is being used for vaccination of children aged 5 to 11.

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