From the 21st, 'Bivalent Vaccine Intensive Vaccination Period'... Promotion and Incentive Benefits (Update)

Long-term Care Facilities: Vaccinations Start from the 21st; After 120 Days Post-Infection, Bivalent Vaccine Required for Going Out

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] The quarantine authorities announced on the 16th that despite the winter resurgence of COVID-19, the vaccination rate for the winter season has not significantly increased, and from the 21st for one month, they will designate it as the 'Bivalent Vaccine Intensive Vaccination Period' and carry out promotions and provide incentives.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team (Promotion Team) stated on the same day, "Although the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has recently increased, entering a winter resurgence, sufficient preparation is needed for infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals with a high risk of severe illness and death, and for the elderly aged 60 and over," and announced the 'Status and Improvement Plan for Additional Vaccinations for High-Risk Groups in Winter.'

According to the Promotion Team, in infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and care facilities, there have been 316 cluster outbreaks in the past four weeks, resulting in a total of 7,224 confirmed cases. COVID-19 deaths in nursing hospitals account for 22.5% of the total. Additionally, the proportion of patients with severe symptoms and deaths aged 60 and over was 86.8% and 95.1%, respectively. However, as of midnight on the day, the additional vaccination rate for the winter season was low, at 11.0% for infection-vulnerable facilities and 13.2% for the elderly aged 60 and over.

First, incentives will be provided to infection-vulnerable facilities and local governments with high additional vaccination rates during the winter season. Vaccinated individuals will receive cultural experience benefits such as discounts on templestay, free admission to palaces and royal tombs, and discounts when using facilities under the jurisdiction of each local government. The Promotion Team also stated, "Awards will be given to infection-vulnerable facilities and local governments with high vaccination rates, and additional points will be applied during various evaluations, and support funds will be provided."

Furthermore, from the 21st, anyone can receive vaccination on the day of their visit without prior reservation. In addition, to minimize vaccine waste, the 'Vaccination Institution Day System,' which has been implemented since November last year, will be abolished from the 16th, expanding the number of days medical institutions can provide vaccinations.

Promotion and accurate information delivery will also be strengthened. High-ranking officials such as cabinet members and local government heads will receive vaccinations first, and local governments will promote vaccination by posting banners in densely populated areas and broadcasting videos at bus stops and subway platforms. The Promotion Team also said, "We plan to regularly communicate with frontline medical staff at local clinics through regular meetings with local medical associations and share the latest research results."

Quarantine measures for infection-vulnerable facilities susceptible to COVID-19 outbreaks will also be strengthened. From the 21st, for nursing hospitals and facilities, those who have received additional vaccinations such as the 3rd and 4th doses, and confirmed cases, will only be allowed to go out or stay overnight after receiving the bivalent vaccine once 120 days have passed since vaccination or confirmation date.

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