Park Neung-hoo "Deep regret over public concern about vaccine issues... Will examine thoroughly"

October 22 Morning Welfare Ministry Audit
Jung Eun-kyung "Low Direct Correlation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, expressed "deep regret" regarding the recent surge in deaths following influenza (flu) vaccinations and stated, "We will thoroughly review the entire vaccination process."

At the Health and Welfare Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 22nd, Minister Park said, "I sincerely apologize for the various unfortunate incidents related to the vaccine."

Minister Park added, "I fully empathize with the public's concerns about the vaccine issues and express deep regret. Multiple government departments are involved in the entire process from production, distribution, to vaccination, and we will carefully review this once again."

Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "Although reports of deaths have increased so far, the investigation team believes the direct link to 'death caused by vaccination' is low." She continued, "The causal relationship between the deaths and the vaccine is being professionally assessed based on the causes and details of death."

Meanwhile, as of the morning of the same day, a total of 14 deaths related to the flu vaccine have been reported. The first death occurred on the 16th.