94 Deaths After Influenza Vaccination... "Causality Low in 87 Cases" (Update)

Published 05 Nov.2020 15:37(KST)

On the 26th, when the government resumed free influenza vaccinations for seniors aged 62 to 69, citizens lined up in front of a hospital in Seoul to receive their flu shots. Following the resumption of free vaccinations on September 25 for children under 12 and pregnant women, on October 13 for those aged 13 to 18, and on the 19th for those aged 70 and above, this marks the final age group for the vaccination restart. Regarding the recent 48 deaths following flu vaccinations, the government announced on the 23rd that there is no correlation and that vaccinations will continue. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The number of people who died after receiving this year’s influenza (flu) vaccine has increased to about 90.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 5th, the number of deaths after flu vaccination was counted as 94 as of midnight that day. This is an increase of 6 from 88 on the 3rd.

Among all death cases, 87 were found to have a very low causal relationship between death and vaccination based on epidemiological investigations and review by the damage investigation team. The remaining 7 cases are currently under epidemiological investigation.

Among the deceased, 83.0% were aged 70 or older. Death reports were concentrated in the third week of October, when the national vaccination support project for seniors aged 70 and over began, and 75.5% (71 cases) were reported in seven regions including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk.

Regarding the time elapsed from vaccination to death, 57 people (60.6%) took more than 48 hours. Those under 24 hours accounted for 17 people (18.1%).

The KDCA stated, "Among the 94 death cases reported as adverse reactions after vaccination, after reviewing epidemiological investigations, basic investigations, and autopsy results for 87 cases, it was found that it is difficult to recognize a causal relationship between death and vaccination," adding, "There is no situation to consider vaccine re-evaluation or suspension of the national vaccination program."

The National Forensic Service conducted autopsies on 45 of the total 94 reported death cases as of the previous day, and did not perform autopsies on 49 cases. Investigations are ongoing for 7 additionally confirmed death cases.

Meanwhile, as of midnight that day, about 17.91 million flu vaccinations had been administered. Among them, 12,132,038 were recipients under the national vaccination program. There have been 1,787 reports of adverse reactions after receiving the flu vaccine, but a causal relationship with vaccination has not yet been confirmed.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the KDCA, said, "The level of influenza outbreak is lower than usual and the outbreak period is likely to be delayed," and urged, "Do not rush and get vaccinated on a day when you are in good health."