[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As the ruling and opposition parties added 1.05 million vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and medical aid recipients, to the free flu vaccine recipients through the 4th supplementary budget, the government announced that it will support vaccinations by having the state provide the supply from the private sector.
Kim Kang-rip, the chief spokesperson of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 23rd, "It is not feasible in terms of time and logistics to secure additional supplies for the newly added free vaccination recipients through domestic additional production or imports," explaining the plan.
Earlier, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to add 1.05 million vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and medical aid recipients, to the existing free flu vaccine recipients, which include children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years and seniors aged 62 and above, totaling 19 million people. The related budget is 31.5 billion KRW.
Spokesperson Kim said, "Vaccinations are expected to be carried out by the state supporting the vaccine supplies provided to the private sector," adding, "Further discussions are needed with the medical community regarding the support methods and costs."
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