CDC Changes Priority Vaccination Guidelines for Those Aged 65 and Over
Reserve Vaccines for First Dose Recipients Also to Be Released
Negative COVID-19 Test Certificate Required for Boarding Flights to the US
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. government has revised its COVID-19 vaccination policy to delay stockpiling vaccines for the second dose and focus on expanding first-dose vaccinations. The priority vaccination group will also be expanded to include seniors aged 65 and older.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced guidelines on the 12th (local time) expanding the vaccination target from healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents to seniors aged 65 and older and individuals with underlying conditions at high risk of severe illness.
Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced this policy directly at a press conference that day.
Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, is announcing changes to vaccine-related policies. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
Alex Azar, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, also revealed the policy to stop stockpiling vaccines for the second dose for those who have received the first dose. Since vaccine production is ongoing, the reserved doses will be used to expand first-dose vaccinations, and second doses will be administered using additional production.
This reflects acceptance of criticism that stockpiling vaccines for the second dose is inappropriate while thousands of Americans are dying daily.
President-elect Joe Biden is also calling for expanded vaccine administration. The scientific community believes that delaying the second dose somewhat will not significantly affect immunity.
According to The Washington Post, as of that morning, 25 million doses had been distributed, but only 9 million doses had been administered.
The U.S. government will require all incoming travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result to block the importation of COVID-19 from abroad.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the U.S. government will require passengers on flights arriving from foreign countries to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 test. WSJ stated that this policy will take effect from January 26 and will be announced soon.
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