At least 324 people received suspected 'room temperature exposure' vaccines... KDCA "Daily health status monitoring"

324 Vaccinated Individuals Confirmed on the Evening of the 26th
Number May Increase Depending on Investigation Results

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] It has been reported that at least 324 people received influenza (flu) vaccines suspected of being exposed to room temperature. In response, health authorities announced on the 27th that they are monitoring the health status of vaccine recipients daily to prepare for the possibility of side effects.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) explained in a briefing related to the temporary suspension of the national flu vaccination program, "Regarding adverse reaction monitoring for government-procured vaccine recipients, we have instructed the relevant local governments to conduct intensive monitoring via phone calls or text messages for one week from the vaccination date." They added, "KDCA is also confirming vaccination status and any occurrence of adverse reactions daily by phone with the local governments."

Typically, adverse reactions after vaccination are identified when medical institutions report them to the Integrated Disease and Health Management System or public health centers, or when patients or guardians report them through the Vaccination Helper website or public health centers. However, due to the unprecedented incident of vaccines being exposed to room temperature, the national vaccination program was suspended, and health authorities have significantly increased the level of adverse reaction monitoring for those who received the problematic vaccines.

KDCA plans to consider long-term health tracking of vaccine recipients. Some in the medical community have voiced concerns that, since vaccination with vaccines exposed to room temperature is unusual, preparations should be made for the possibility of long-term side effects. Regarding this, KDCA stated, "If adverse reactions are confirmed or after reviewing the vaccine quality verification results from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, we plan to consult experts and review the necessity of long-term tracking of vaccine recipients."

The problematic vaccines were 5.78 million doses (single-dose units) supplied to the government by Shinseong Pharmaceutical. Although KDCA decided to abruptly suspend the government vaccination program on the night of the 21st after identifying the room temperature exposure incident, some hospitals that were unaware of this fact or managed the vaccines carelessly administered the vaccines to hundreds of people.

As of the evening of the 26th, KDCA has identified 324 vaccinated individuals, and this number may increase depending on the progress of the ongoing investigation.