"Confirmed Cases Must Complete Second Vaccination... Third and Fourth Doses Available Upon Request"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The health authorities have recommended completing up to the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination even if there is a history of infection.

On the 13th, the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team stated, "Along with immunity acquired through infection, completing the primary vaccination series (1st and 2nd doses) can provide higher immunity," and urged, "Even if you have a history of infection, please make sure to complete the second dose."

The team reiterated vaccination recommendations for those with a history of infection as the number of confirmed cases surged due to the recent Omicron variant wave, resulting in about one-third of the population acquiring infection-induced immunity.

If you are eligible for vaccination, you can also receive the 3rd and 4th doses after infection. For example, those infected before the first dose are strongly encouraged to complete the 1st and 2nd doses. The 3rd dose is left to personal discretion. The 4th dose is also available for eligible groups such as those aged 60 and above.

Those infected after the second dose can receive the 3rd dose if they wish, and those infected after the third dose who are aged 60 or older or immunocompromised may receive the 4th dose based on their own judgment.

According to the Promotion Team, a study conducted domestically by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases on the effectiveness of the 4th dose showed that neutralizing ability significantly increased after the 4th dose compared to those who completed the 3rd dose. Antibody levels increased 2 to 2.5 times two weeks after the 4th dose compared to four months after the 3rd dose, and increased 6.4 to 7.4 times four weeks after the 4th dose compared to two weeks after the 4th dose.

Meanwhile, for children aged 5 to 11 who are not eligible for the 3rd and 4th doses and were infected before or after the first dose, those in high-risk groups such as immunocompromised children are recommended to complete the 2nd dose. General children who are not in high-risk groups may receive the 1st and 2nd doses if they wish.

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