"COVID-19 Vaccine Developers Demand 'Liability Exemption' from All Countries (Update)"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Multinational pharmaceutical companies developing vaccines for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have reportedly demanded 'liability exemption for side effects' from all countries.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 3rd, "(COVID-19 vaccine developers) are commonly requesting liability exemption not only from our country but from all countries."

The government’s position is to ensure there are no related concerns through thorough negotiations. To this end, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will establish procedures to secure the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.

Lee explained, "Matters related to vaccine approval are being reviewed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The Disease Control Agency will also cooperate with the Ministry to establish precise yet swift procedures."

The government has secured a total of approximately 1.3 trillion won to introduce COVID-19 vaccines. However, since negotiations with individual pharmaceutical companies are ongoing, no specific mention has been made regarding timing or quantity.

Ko Jae-young, spokesperson for the Disease Control Agency, explained, "This is a strategy to negotiate under favorable conditions, and some matters remain confidential even after contract completion as contract terms."