Jeong Eun-kyeong "COVID-19 Vaccine, Likely to Secure 30 Million Doses Within the Year" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said on the 23rd, "We expect to secure enough COVID-19 vaccine doses for 30 million people by the end of the year."

At the regular briefing that day, Director Jung stated, "We are currently negotiating with several COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers," and made this announcement.

The government plans to secure 10 million doses through the international project for joint vaccine purchase and distribution, the 'COVAX facility,' and 20 million doses through individual negotiations with overseas vaccine manufacturers.

Regarding the 10 million doses secured through the COVAX facility, Director Jung said, "We have already paid the contract amount and are currently discussing which vaccines to select," adding, "For now, 1 million doses have already been secured."

Concerning the 20 million doses secured through individual negotiations with vaccine manufacturers, she explained, "The speed of negotiations varies depending on the manufacturer, but some are already reviewing contracts, and discussions on purchase conditions are underway with others."

The quarantine authorities plan to announce the vaccine procurement plan early next month. Director Jung said, "By early December, we will organize the details of the negotiations and be able to explain them to the public," adding, "We will disclose the types and quantities of vaccines secured."