'Bivalent Vaccine' Priority Group Pre-Booking Starts from 27th…CDCHQ "Gradual Expansion of Vaccination Target Groups"

Strengthening the Public Health Center's Infectious Disease Response System and Administrative Framework
Promoting National Funding Support for Rural Public Health Centers

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government plans to gradually expand the target groups for additional COVID-19 vaccinations and strengthen the infectious disease response capabilities of public health centers to prepare for the final critical phase this winter.

Lee Sang-min, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated in his opening remarks at the CDSCH meeting held on the 21st, "Based on the current stable quarantine situation, the government will enhance additional vaccinations during the winter season and strengthen the infectious disease response capabilities of public health centers."

On the same day, the number of new confirmed cases was 41,286, marking the lowest figure in 10 weeks for a Wednesday. The infection reproduction number stood at 0.82, remaining below 1 for four consecutive weeks. Deputy Head Lee said, "Last week, the number of new critically ill patients and deaths both fell to the 300s, with 494 critically ill patients currently hospitalized and 59 deaths. The ICU bed occupancy rate and overall hospital bed occupancy rate are both in the 20% range, indicating a favorable medical response situation."

First, the government plans to gradually expand the target groups for additional winter vaccinations, focusing on the bivalent vaccines that have been sequentially introduced since last week, starting with vulnerable health groups. The first priority vaccination targets include immunocompromised individuals, residents and workers in infection-vulnerable facilities, and elderly people aged 60 and above, with advance reservations available from the 27th. Deputy Head Lee added, "For the second and third priority groups, arrangements will be made to enable bivalent vaccine vaccinations as soon as possible."

The government will strengthen the continuous infectious disease response system of public health centers and reorganize the administrative system to ensure that core functions can be maintained even in crisis situations. To this end, the government plans to establish dedicated infectious disease response organizations in public health centers and set standards for the deployment and training of specialized personnel.

Deputy Head Lee said, "To prepare for the repeated and continuous occurrence of infectious diseases like COVID-19, we will pursue legal amendments to establish facility and equipment standards and promote national funding support for rural public health centers," adding, "The government will do its utmost to get through this winter, which will be the final critical phase, based on sufficient vaccines, treatments, and stable medical response capabilities."

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