[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been confirmed that 105 people have already been vaccinated with the influenza (flu) vaccine that was discontinued due to exposure to room temperature during the distribution process.
Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing held on the 25th at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in Osong, Chungbuk, "As a result of investigating the vaccination status of the (room temperature exposed) vaccine in question, it was confirmed that 105 people received the vaccination."
There have been no reports of adverse reactions among the vaccinated individuals so far. Head Jung stated this and added, "We plan to continuously monitor cases of adverse reactions."
The government is expected to face controversy as it had stated just two days ago that there were no cases of vaccination. On the 23rd, the KDCA explained, "So far, there have been no cases of vaccination using vaccines exposed to room temperature," and "Whether vaccination occurred can be identified by medical institutions through the lot numbers supplied by the manufacturer."
Meanwhile, from the afternoon of the same day, a free influenza vaccination program for children under 12 years old and pregnant women will begin. On the 21st, the government confirmed that Shinseong Pharmaceutical did not adhere to the 'cold chain' principle during vaccine delivery and abruptly suspended the national vaccination program.
The vaccines used for the resumption of vaccination are not related to the quantities distributed by Shinseong Pharmaceutical, which caused the room temperature exposure incident. The vaccines for children under 12 and pregnant women are currently individually purchased by each medical institution, just like the paid vaccines.
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