[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has recommended temporarily suspending influenza (flu) vaccination from the 23rd to the 29th.
On the afternoon of the same day, Choi Dae-jip, president of the KMA, held a press conference at the KMA temporary office in Cheongpa-dong, Seoul, stating, "The causal relationship between the reported deaths after vaccination has not been clearly established," and "We recommend suspending all national and general vaccinations for one week."
The KMA requested that the government secure medical evidence regarding the safety of vaccines and vaccinations during the temporary suspension period.
President Choi said, "We proposed to the government that the causal relationship with the vaccine must be medically clarified through autopsies and medical history investigations of the deceased patients." He added, "Since many of the vaccines involved in the deaths were government-procured vaccines, a thorough investigation into the distribution and storage processes is also necessary."
However, the KMA stated that patients who have already received the flu vaccination need not be overly anxious. President Choi said, "For patients who have already completed vaccination, we sufficiently explain the safety and recommend that they immediately visit a nearby medical institution if any unusual symptoms occur."
He added, "To prepare for a twin-demic amid the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination must be a prerequisite, but an environment where patients and medical staff can be vaccinated safely must be established."
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