"Detailed Discussions Underway for Vaccine Introduction for Ages 5-11 ... Saliva PCR Usable Upon Approval"

Jungdaebon, "Infections in Infants and Children Spreading Through Family Transmission"
Experts "Actively Recommend to Children Living with Underlying Conditions and High-Risk Groups"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The quarantine authorities announced that they are in detailed discussions with experts regarding the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for children aged 5 to 11. They also stated that if a saliva-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kit receives official approval, they will support its use.

On the afternoon of the 24th, Kwon Geun-yong, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Management Team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Headquarters, said during a COVID-19 briefing, "Regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11, we are currently comprehensively reviewing overseas trends, the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination, and various other necessities," adding, "There is a sufficient supply of vaccines available for this age group."

Previously, the quarantine authorities announced that after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety officially approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11 the day before, they would announce detailed vaccination plans for this age group next month.

Regarding this, Team Leader Kwon added, "There are still several expert consultations and reviews by the Vaccination Expert Committee remaining. We will proceed swiftly and announce the plans as soon as preparations are complete."

Recently, related academic societies and experts reportedly advised the quarantine authorities to actively recommend vaccination for children living with underlying conditions or high-risk groups, while giving a choice to otherwise healthy children. Considering the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases among children under 11 compared to other age groups, the authorities plan to expedite vaccination for this age group.

Im Sook-young, head of the Situation Management Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, explained, "Since infants and young children are not currently eligible for vaccination, their immunity is weak, which appears to have led to an increase in confirmed cases," adding, "Infections among infants and young children can eventually cause transmission within families, which may lead to dangerous outcomes if elderly family members become infected."

The quarantine authorities also responded to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's announcement to pilot saliva-based PCR testing at kindergartens and elementary schools by stating, "If there is a product officially approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it can naturally be used."

Im added, "Currently, there are no saliva-based PCR test kits officially approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, but I understand there are various individual efforts underway domestically," and said, "If an easy-to-use kit is developed, it will improve convenience for the public. We will continue to support this area."

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