October 22 Welfare Committee National Assembly Audit
[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated that there is no situation warranting the suspension of flu vaccinations.
On the morning of the 22nd, at the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee audit, Commissioner Jung said, "We are closely examining whether there is any issue serious enough to halt vaccinations, and if there is, we will promptly suspend them."
However, she added, "Based on expert assessments, the 13 reported deaths are considered unrelated to the vaccine administration."
Commissioner Jung also indicated that "approximately 3,000 people die annually from pneumonia complications related to the flu," suggesting that suspending flu vaccinations could result in greater adverse effects.
Meanwhile, as of the morning of the same day, a total of 16 deaths following flu vaccination have been confirmed. This is one week since the first death occurred on the 16th. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, past deaths following vaccination were 3 in 2022, 2 in 2018, 2 in 2017, 0 in 2016, and 12 in 2015. Among the 20 reported deaths over the past five years, none have been recognized as causally related to vaccination, and no compensation (relief) has been provided.
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