BA.4·BA.5-Based Updated Vaccine Vaccinations Start from the 14th of Next Month... Reservations Open from Tomorrow (Comprehensive)

On the 25th, when the 4th COVID-19 booster vaccination for those aged 60 and over who made advance reservations began, a citizen was receiving the vaccine at Bumin Hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. April 25, 2022 Photo by Joint Press Corps (Consent for portrait rights obtained)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As signs of a resurgence of COVID-19 spread this winter emerge, the government is expanding the target group for additional winter vaccinations from vulnerable health groups to all adults aged 18 and over.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team announced the "Winter COVID-19 Additional Vaccination Expansion Plan" on the 26th, in response to the need to prepare for a winter resurgence and the concretization of the domestic introduction schedule for bivalent vaccines.

Previously, the government had prioritized additional winter vaccinations for vulnerable health groups such as seniors aged 60 and over and residents and workers in infection-vulnerable facilities. From today, the eligible group for vaccination has been expanded to adults aged 18 and over who have completed the primary vaccination series. However, there are differences in recommendation levels: vaccination is permitted for adults aged 18 and over (third priority), while it is recommended for vulnerable health groups (first priority), people in their 50s and those with underlying conditions, and healthcare workers (second priority).

The interval between vaccinations must be at least four months from the last vaccination or the date of COVID-19 diagnosis. Adults aged 18 and over who are four months past their third or fourth dose are eligible for additional winter vaccination.

The types of vaccines used for additional vaccination have also increased to three. Previously, only Moderna's BA.1-based bivalent vaccine was available, but now Pfizer's BA.1-based bivalent vaccine and BA.4/5-based bivalent vaccine are also available for vaccination.

Pre-booking starts on the 27th regardless of vaccine type, but the vaccination start dates vary slightly depending on the domestic introduction schedule. Moderna's BA.1-based bivalent vaccine, which is already being administered, will be available for same-day vaccination starting on the 27th, with reservation vaccinations beginning on November 7.

Pfizer's BA.1-based bivalent vaccine will begin both reservation and same-day vaccinations from November 7. Pfizer's BA.4/5-based bivalent vaccine will be available later, starting November 14, due to a delayed domestic introduction schedule.

For those unable to receive messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, recombinant vaccines such as Novavax or Skycovione are also available. Reservations for these vaccines will begin on November 7.

Pre-booking can be made through the website, the 1339 call center, or by visiting community centers. For seniors, family members can make reservations on their behalf.

The Promotion Team has designated 10,409 medical institutions for Pfizer BA.1-based vaccine administration and 10,616 institutions for BA.4/5-based vaccine administration to improve vaccination convenience.

Director Baek Kyung-ran of the KDCA stated, "With multiple Omicron subvariants emerging simultaneously, additional winter vaccinations are very important to prepare for a COVID-19 resurgence during the winter season. We also ask for great interest and active participation in completing primary vaccinations for those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as influenza vaccinations for high-risk groups such as the elderly and children and adolescents."

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