Damyang-gun Expands COVID-19 Fourth Vaccination from 'Existing 60 and Older' to '50 and Older'

Infection-Vulnerable Facilities and Patients with Underlying Conditions Also Eligible

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Byeongno) announced on the 20th that the 4th COVID-19 vaccination will be expanded from those aged 60 and over to those aged 50 and over, as well as patients aged 18 and over with underlying conditions.

In addition, the 4th vaccination, which was previously administered to residents, inpatients, and workers of high-risk facilities such as nursing hospitals and facilities, has been expanded to include residents and workers of facilities for the disabled and homeless in preparation for the resurgence of COVID-19.

Recently, cases of COVID-19 reinfection have been increasing due to decreased vaccine effectiveness and reduced natural immunity. Considering the rise in the infection reproduction number and the possibility of new variants becoming dominant, expanding the 4th vaccination is necessary to maintain the prevention effect against severe illness and death.

The 4th vaccination can be administered only after 4 months (120 days) have passed since the 3rd vaccination, and it is possible even if there is a history of COVID-19 infection. For the 1st and 2nd vaccinations after infection, vaccination can be done 3 weeks after the confirmed date, and for the 3rd and 4th vaccinations, 3 months after the confirmed date.

As of 0:00 on the 18th, 10,860 people (23.6%) of Damyang-gun’s population have completed the 4th vaccination, and among those aged 60 and over, 10,521 out of 19,690 people (54.4%) have completed it.

The additional target group started advance reservations and same-day vaccinations from July 18, and reservations through advance booking will be available from August 1.

Those wishing to receive same-day vaccination must contact medical institutions by phone to register on the standby list, and advance reservations can be made through the website or by calling the Damyang-gun call center.

A county official said, “The 4th COVID-19 vaccination is necessary to proactively prepare for the faster-than-expected resurgence,” and urged, “We ask for active participation not only in the 4th vaccination but also from those eligible for the basic and 3rd vaccinations.”

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