[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] It has been confirmed that among the 30 people who received the same vaccine at the same medical institution as the teenage high school student who died two days after receiving the flu vaccine, no adverse reactions have been reported so far.
On the 20th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released reference materials related to the national influenza vaccination program, stating, "A total of 32 people received the same vaccine with the same lot number on the same day at the same hospital as the deceased 17-year-old male student."
The KDCA reportedly contacted these individuals individually through public health centers to check for adverse reactions. The KDCA did not disclose the manufacturer or product name of the vaccine.
Including other medical institutions, a total of 82,668 people nationwide received the vaccine with the same lot number. Among them, there have been three reported cases of adverse reactions: two cases of allergic reactions and one case of pain at the injection site.
The KDCA stated that no causal relationship between the flu vaccine and the death has been confirmed yet.
Earlier, the police received a preliminary verbal opinion from the National Forensic Service, which conducted an autopsy on the body, indicating that "there seems to be little correlation between the vaccine administration and the death, but the cause of death is unknown," and are currently conducting further investigations.
The KDCA plans to make a comprehensive conclusion after reviewing the final autopsy results.
Regarding whether to suspend the national influenza vaccination program, the KDCA responded, "Based on the information confirmed so far, there is no basis to suspend the national influenza vaccination program."
Regarding the case of a person in their 70s found dead after receiving a flu vaccine in Gochang, Jeonbuk, the KDCA explained, "This case was reported through the Integrated Disease and Health Management System, and an investigation is currently underway," adding, "We have been informed by the local government that an autopsy is planned."
It has been confirmed that this vaccine is not a product that raised concerns about efficacy reduction due to 'exposure to room temperature' during recent distribution or that contained 'white particles' in the vaccine contents.
Earlier last month, three people in their 80s and 90s died after receiving flu vaccines supplied through government procurement at a nursing hospital in Incheon. In response, the quarantine authorities stated, "Based on epidemiological investigations and expert advisory meetings, it was judged that the association with the vaccine is low."
Meanwhile, an man in his 80s who received a flu vaccine in Daejeon also died.
According to Daejeon City, the man received the flu vaccine at a local clinic around 10 a.m. on the 20th, was found collapsed around 2 p.m., and was transported to a hospital but died around 3 p.m., one hour later.
This vaccine was also investigated and found not to be a product that raised concerns about efficacy reduction due to exposure to room temperature or contained white particles, similar to the previous death cases.
The quarantine authorities are investigating the exact cause of death, including whether the man had any underlying diseases.
The KDCA stated, "The Daejeon death case was also reported through the Integrated Disease and Health Management System, and an investigation is underway."
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