Prime Minister Jeong: "COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 62-69 to Begin on the 26th"

"First Domestic High-Pathogenic AI Confirmed in 2 Years and 8 Months... Thorough Quarantine Measures Ensured"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced on the 25th, "Starting from the 26th, COVID-19 vaccinations will begin for seniors aged 62 to 69."

Prime Minister Chung urged, "Since a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was confirmed domestically for the first time in 2 years and 8 months, I ask that thorough quarantine measures be taken."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on COVID-19 held at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "It has been two weeks since we have been adjusting social distancing levels and striving to balance quarantine and daily life. Although there has been no large-scale spread, the situation is not yet stable."

He added, "Recently, reports of deaths following flu vaccinations have increased, causing significant public anxiety. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) conducted an in-depth two-day review with experts on 26 reported cases and announced yesterday that vaccinations will continue."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "The government respects the scientific judgment of experts and will begin vaccinations for seniors aged 62 to 69 as scheduled from the 26th. I ask the public to trust the experts' judgment and continue to participate in vaccinations according to the government's decision."

He also said, "The KDCA should continue to strengthen communication to prevent excessive public anxiety. Cases of death or severe adverse reactions reported after vaccination should be thoroughly investigated, and the results should be transparently disclosed promptly."

He added, "Please respond swiftly and strictly based on scientific evidence to false and manipulated information that incites public anxiety and distrust."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Chung referred to the confirmed case of highly pathogenic AI and urged authorities to ensure thorough quarantine measures.

He said, "Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was confirmed in wild birds in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do today. This is the first occurrence in the country in 2 years and 8 months."

He noted, "Although it has not yet occurred in chicken or duck farms, globally AI cases have increased more than threefold compared to last year."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, and local governments should remain vigilant and take thorough quarantine measures to block transmission to farms, such as strengthening surveillance of wild birds and prohibiting livestock vehicles from entering migratory bird habitats."