Vaccination for Children Aged 5-11 Recommended Only for 'High-Risk Groups'... Attendance Recognized Until the Day After Vaccination

General children can self-vaccinate
Vaccines for ages 5-11 available for pre-booking from the 24th
Attendance recognized up to 2 days after vaccination

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11 will begin on the 24th of this month. Education and quarantine authorities strongly recommend vaccination for high-risk groups and suggest voluntary vaccination for other eligible individuals.

On the 14th, the Ministry of Education announced that, following the decision of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, primary COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 and third doses for adolescents aged 12 to 17 will be administered.

Reservations for vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 will start on the 24th, with vaccinations beginning on the 31st. Approximately 3.07 million children born from 2010 who have not yet had their birthday to those born in 2017 who have had their birthday are eligible.

Vaccinations for children will use the Pfizer vaccine specially manufactured for pediatric use, with an 8-week interval between the first and second doses. To ensure vaccine safety and monitor adverse reactions, a guardian or legal representative must accompany the child.

Quarantine authorities stated that vaccination is not recommended for children who have a history of COVID-19 infection. However, primary vaccination completion is recommended for high-risk groups to enhance immunity and prevent severe illness.

An official from the Ministry of Education explained, "We strongly recommend vaccination for high-risk children and adolescents with underlying conditions and will promote vaccination for other students if necessary. This measure focuses on vaccinating children with underlying conditions for their health rather than linking vaccination to regular school attendance."

Pre-registration or same-day vaccination for the third dose for adolescents aged 12 to 17 is available starting today, with vaccinations possible from the 21st. Eligible individuals are adolescents born between 2005 and 2010 who have had their birthday, and vaccination is possible three months after the second dose. Adolescents who contracted COVID-19 after primary vaccination are not recommended to receive the third dose.

Absences, tardiness, or early departures within two days after vaccination will be counted as attendance. From the third day onward, absences can be recorded as "absence due to illness" if accompanied by a doctor's note or similar documentation.

Vaccination is recommended outside of midterm and final exam periods. If scheduling conflicts are unavoidable, recognition points may be granted according to the guidelines of the provincial education offices and school regulations. Grades before or after the absence will be adjusted accordingly.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye stated, "This vaccination is recommended based on the individual's (or guardian's) consent, so we ask that no coercive atmosphere be created and that no disadvantages be imposed based on vaccination status. We will provide schools with information on vaccination precautions and symptoms of adverse reactions to ensure no one misses the opportunity to be vaccinated."

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