4 More Suspected Adverse Reactions to Influenza Vaccine Exposed to Room Temperature, Total 8 Cases... Chills, Headache, etc.

Hives and Diarrhea Symptoms Also Reported... KDCA: "Symptoms After Vaccination Improved"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The number of people showing adverse reactions after receiving influenza (flu) vaccines suspected of 'room temperature exposure' during distribution, which led to a suspension of vaccinations, has increased to eight.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released reference materials on the national influenza vaccination program on the 1st, stating, "Regarding the vaccines under investigation, the number of reported adverse reaction cases among vaccine recipients has increased by four, totaling eight cases."

Among the four newly reported adverse reactions, two individuals reported chills, headaches, and nausea; one reported hives; and one reported diarrhea symptoms.

The KDCA explained that "symptoms occurred after vaccination but have since improved."

Previously reported four cases with adverse reactions also experienced symptoms such as fever and chills, but these have improved, the KDCA added.

The KDCA confirmed that Shinsung Pharmaceutical, the supplier of the national procurement vaccines, violated the 'cold chain' principle during vaccine delivery by leaving the refrigerated truck door open or placing products on the floor, and announced the suspension of the vaccination program on the night of the 21st of last month.

The total amount of vaccines currently suspended due to suspected room temperature exposure is enough for 5.78 million people.

Initially, the KDCA announced that "no one had been vaccinated with the problematic vaccines," but vaccination cases have been rapidly emerging during the investigation. Since the 25th of last month, the cumulative number of vaccinated individuals has increased daily as follows: 105 → 224 → 324 → 407 → 873 → 1,362, growing like a snowball.

A KDCA official explained, "The vaccination record registration system requires checking before vaccination and registering information after vaccination as a principle," adding, "Additional vaccine recipients may be discovered during the investigation."

Meanwhile, the KDCA will announce related information, including the number of additionally confirmed vaccine recipients, every day around 7 p.m.