Lee Nak-yeon on Flu Vaccine Suspension: "Experts' Domain... Politics Should Be Cautious"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has confirmed its stance that "fact-checking comes first" regarding the suspension of influenza (flu) vaccine administration. The People Power Party argued for the suspension of flu vaccinations, leading to a political dispute between the ruling and opposition parties.

On the morning of the 23rd, at the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon expressed a cautious stance on the suspension of flu vaccinations, stating, "The political sphere must be careful in matters that fall within the domain of experts." He added, "It is scientifically proven that preventive vaccines have saved countless lives that could have been lost to the flu."

He also reiterated the importance of prioritizing factual verification. Leader Lee emphasized, "The government should promptly clarify the causes of death among vaccine recipients and any abnormalities in the vaccine products to dispel public doubts. Any information that can be shared with the public during this process must be disclosed transparently."

After visiting GC Green Cross, a company developing COVID-19 treatments, the previous day, Leader Lee told reporters, "Since the truth has not yet been revealed, we need to be cautious." When asked whether discussions between the party and government regarding flu vaccine measures were underway, he replied, "Not yet," adding, "We must first ascertain the facts."

During the Health and Welfare Committee's national audit, a political dispute ensued over this issue. Kang Ki-yoon, the People Power Party's floor leader, stated at the committee's audit held at the National Assembly the previous day, "The flu vaccine was exposed to room temperature, causing floating particles, and now it has taken the lives of citizens." He claimed, "From the beginning, I demanded that all vaccines be discarded. The government's stubbornness and delay ultimately caused this situation." He also raised suspicions, saying, "It has been confirmed that toxins or bacteria from the fertilized eggs used as raw materials for the vaccine could cause shock." Kang and other People Power Party members of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee issued a statement urging, "The government must first conduct a full investigation of the flu vaccines and consider suspending vaccinations."

Democratic Party members of the Health and Welfare Committee countered, insisting that vaccinations should continue. Democratic Party member Kwon Chil-seung emphasized, "If the vaccination program is halted, it is clear that more problems will arise." Democratic Party member Kang Byung-won also argued, "There are no commonalities among the deceased recipients," adding, "Vaccines have saved countless lives for nearly 70 years. We must wait until scientific causality is proven." Amid the political dispute, Jeong Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, left early around 3:40 p.m. following successive death reports. Meanwhile, as of midnight that day, the number of reported deaths after flu vaccination reached 32 cases. This is an increase of 12 from the previous day's 20 cases, with the first death occurring on the 16th.