Gwangyang-si Expands Eligibility for 4th COVID-19 Vaccination Dose

Expansion to include people in their 50s and those aged 18 and over with underlying conditions to prevent severe illness and death in high-risk groups

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do announced that it will expand the 4th dose vaccination targets to prevent severe illness and death among high-risk groups in preparation for the resurgence of COVID-19. The expanded targets include people in their 50s, individuals aged 18 and over with underlying health conditions, and residents and workers of facilities for the disabled and homeless.

The existing 4th dose vaccination has been administered since February 14, 2022, to immunocompromised individuals, inpatients, residents, and workers of nursing hospitals/facilities and mental health promotion facilities, and since April 14 to those aged 60 and above.

According to an analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the effectiveness of the 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Korea shows a 20.3% infection prevention effect, 50.6% severe illness prevention effect, and 53.3% death prevention effect compared to the 3rd dose group. Although the current vaccines have low infection prevention effectiveness and short duration, the prevention effects against severe illness and death are confirmed to be maintained for a long period at over 50%, emphasizing the importance of the 4th dose vaccination.

The 4th dose target group of people in their 50s includes those born between 1963 and before 1972 based on birth year.

Additionally, individuals aged 18 and over with underlying health conditions include those born between 1973 and before 2004. They can receive the vaccination after indicating the presence of underlying conditions on the COVID-19 vaccination questionnaire and after confirmation and consultation with the screening doctor.

The vaccination interval is at least 4 months (120 days) after the 3rd dose, and vaccinations can be scheduled through the online reservation website or received on the same day. Proxy reservations via the website or phone reservations are also available.

Same-day vaccinations and advance reservations will start on July 18, and scheduled vaccinations will begin on August 1.

Vaccinations are available at designated medical institutions in the region (which can be checked on the Gwangyang City website), and mRNA vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) or Novavax vaccines can be administered.

Seong Jae-soon, Director of the Health Administration Division, stated, “84% of critically ill patients and 80% of deaths are concentrated among those aged 60 and above. Currently, the vaccination rate for those aged 60 and above in Gwangyang City is 47.6%, which is lower compared to other cities and counties.” He added, “We ask for active participation in vaccination to prevent severe illness and death through the 4th dose.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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