Active Recommendation for Vaccination in High-Risk Children Aged 5-11... Voluntary for General Pediatric Population (Supplement)

Pre-Booking Available from the 24th, Vaccinations Start on the 31st
3rd Dose Administered for Ages 12-17

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The quarantine authorities actively recommend COVID-19 vaccination for high-risk groups aged 5 to 11 with underlying conditions that may lead to severe illness, while other children in this age group may receive the vaccine voluntarily if they wish.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team announced on the 14th that basic vaccination (ages 5-11) and the third dose (ages 12-17) will be administered to children and adolescents, as confirmed cases are increasing due to the dominance of the Omicron variant.

Approximately 3.07 million people are eligible for vaccination, ranging from those born in 2010 (6th grade in elementary school) who have not yet had their birthday, to those born in 2017 (preschoolers) who have had their birthday. However, vaccination is not recommended for general children who are not in the high-risk group among those who have been infected with COVID-19.

Vaccination for ages 5-11 will be conducted using the Pfizer vaccine specially manufactured for children. Considering safety, the pediatric vaccine is produced with one-third the amount of active ingredient compared to the existing vaccine (30㎍ → 10㎍). This vaccine received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 23rd of last month, and an initial supply of 300,000 doses will be introduced through Incheon Airport this afternoon. Reservations will be available from the 24th, and vaccinations are scheduled to begin on the 31st.

Considering vaccine safety and effectiveness, the first and second doses will be administered at an 8-week (56-day) interval. However, if medically necessary or due to personal circumstances, the second dose can be given earlier within the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s approved interval of 3 weeks (21 days).

The Promotion Team explained, "We have reviewed the necessity of COVID-19 vaccination for children through quarantine situations, major overseas research results and policy trends, research projects, and expert consultations, and also analyzed the willingness of parents and children to be vaccinated to establish the vaccination plan."

With the recent dominance of the Omicron variant, confirmed cases have surged rapidly, and the incidence rate among 5-11-year-olds, who were previously not included in the vaccination target, is also increasing quickly. The cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for ages 5-11 is 22,162, which is 1.8 times higher than that of the young adult group (ages 18-59). However, the rates of severe illness and fatality remain low.

The quarantine authorities will also administer the third dose to adolescents aged 12 to 17 who have completed their second dose at least three months ago.

This applies to those born in 2005 (2nd year of high school) to those born in 2010 who have had their birthday. Similarly, the third dose is not recommended for adolescents with prior COVID-19 infection, just as it is for adults.

For ages 12-17, same-day vaccination is available starting today (the 14th), and reservation vaccinations will begin on the 21st.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said, "Despite the spread of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective and important means to protect the health of oneself and family," and urged, "Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups among children and adolescents, so please take an interest and participate."

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