[Q&A] Advance Reservations for 4th COVID-19 Vaccination for Elderly Starting from the 18th... "Strong Recommendation for Vaccination for Those Aged 80 and Above"

Vaccinations Using Remaining Vaccines Start from the 14th
Full-Scale Vaccinations Begin from the 25th After Advance Reservations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] From the 18th, advance reservations for the 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for the elderly aged 60 and over will begin. Same-day reservations using leftover vaccines started on the 14th. The vaccination target is those aged 60 and over (born before 1962) who have completed the 3rd dose and 120 days have passed. In particular, the 4th dose is strongly recommended for those aged 80 and above. As of the end of this month, the number of people eligible for the 4th dose is estimated to be about 10.66 million.

The government stated that since the vaccine's effectiveness decreases over time after the 3rd dose, the 4th dose is being implemented considering the prevention of severe illness and death among the elderly and the emergence of new virus outbreaks. Based on information provided by the quarantine authorities, we have summarized frequently asked questions about the 4th dose for the elderly.

- Why is the 4th dose strongly recommended for those aged 80 and above among the elderly?

▲ Because the highest number of COVID-19 deaths occur among those aged 80 and above. According to a study from Israel, which was the first country in the world to start the 4th dose, infections decreased 2.0 times and severe cases decreased 3.5 times four weeks after the 4th dose compared to the 3rd dose. Recently, those aged 80 and above accounted for 64.2% of deaths, with a cumulative death rate of 529.0 per 100,000 (fatality rate 2.65%). This is 4 times higher than the 70s age group at 120.6 (fatality rate 0.65%) and 17 times higher than the 60s age group at 31.7 (fatality rate 0.15%).

- Which countries overseas are implementing the 4th dose?

▲ The United States recently allowed the 4th dose for those aged 50 and above considering medical complications. The United Kingdom recommends the 4th dose only for high-risk groups aged 80 and above on a limited basis. Additionally, Israel (60 and above), France (80 and above), and Australia (65 and above) allow the 4th dose for the elderly, residents of infection-vulnerable facilities, and immunocompromised individuals.

- What types of vaccines are used for the 4th dose?

▲ Currently, the vaccines available for the 4th dose in Korea are messenger RNA (mRNA)-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and the Novavax vaccine. The principle is to use mRNA vaccines, but for those who are contraindicated or have postponed mRNA vaccines or who wish to receive it, the Novavax vaccine can also be used. The vaccine dosage is the same as for the 3rd dose.

- Should the 4th dose be administered even if there is a history of COVID-19 infection?

▲ Those with a history of COVID-19 infection are not recommended for the 3rd or 4th dose, but vaccination is possible if the individual wishes. The 1st and 2nd primary doses are actively recommended even for those with a history of infection. Completing the primary vaccination in addition to immunity gained through infection can provide higher immunity. However, if monoclonal antibody or plasma therapy was received after COVID-19 infection, vaccination should be administered at least 90 days later.

- Has the safety of the 4th dose been proven?

▲ According to cases from countries that have already administered the 4th dose, there have been no reports of a significant increase in adverse reactions compared to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses. A study from Israel reported that adverse reactions after the 4th dose were localized reactions such as muscle pain, headache, and fever, with symptoms disappearing on average within 1.7 days. The quarantine authorities continue to monitor the effects of repeated vaccination on the immune system by collecting domestic and international research results.

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