[Flu Vaccine Suspension Day 2] "I'd Rather Pay for It" Inquiries Flood In

Paid vaccinations continue for elderly and infants amid concerns over vaccine shortage crisis

Amid the temporary suspension of the national free influenza vaccination program, a notice for free flu vaccinations is posted at a hospital in Seoul on the 22nd. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced in a press release on the 21st, "We plan to temporarily suspend the national influenza vaccination program starting today due to issues found in the distribution process of the contracted influenza supplier." Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Sojeong Seo and Hyunui Cho] On the morning of the 23rd, the second day since the sudden suspension of flu vaccine distribution, frontline medical institutions are experiencing confusion. Although the government estimates the suspension period for free vaccinations due to vaccine exposure to room temperature to be about two weeks, some are switching to paid vaccinations out of concern for a future 'vaccine crisis.' In various hospitals, inquiries about paid vaccinations from some elderly people and parents with young children are increasing.

On the 23rd, a pediatrician in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, said, "Since the government stopped free vaccinations, some people are willing to get vaccinated even if it is paid," adding, "About 20 people have received paid vaccinations from yesterday until the morning of the 23rd." A pediatrician in Mapo-gu, Seoul, also said, "Inquiries about flu vaccinations have increased since yesterday, but since free vaccinations are currently suspended, we are informing people that they can get vaccinated for a fee," explaining, "The paid vaccines were secured by each medical institution, so they are different from the vaccines that had distribution issues."

An internal medicine clinic located in Jongno-gu is also responding to inquiries about free vaccinations. A nurse at this hospital said, "Fortunately, no one aged 13 to 18 came for free flu vaccinations yesterday and today, but we are receiving a flood of calls asking 'When can we get the flu vaccination?'" At a hospital in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Lee Mo (32), who has a 7-year-old child, said, "The government announced that free vaccinations will resume in about two weeks, but as a parent, I can't help but feel anxious," adding, "I brought my children here because I think it would be safer to get vaccinated for a fee rather than waiting for free vaccinations."

Jo Mo, in his 60s living in Yongsan-gu, said, "I want to get vaccinated for free, but I think it's better to get vaccinated early," adding, "Since it is said that it is more dangerous to contract both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, I plan to get vaccinated for a fee along with my grandchild."

Fortunately, major general hospitals are not experiencing significant confusion. A representative from Seoul National University Hospital said, "There have been some inquiries about whether patients can get flu vaccines while visiting for treatment, but not many," explaining, "Most flu vaccinations are done at local clinics."