KDCA Reports COVID-19 Vaccination Outcomes for Korean Nationals
Two or More Adverse Reactions Among Koreans...Hypertension, Chest Pain
On December 29 last year, US Forces Korea soldiers were waiting to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Among 1,900 Korean nationals vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine within the US Forces Korea, two adverse reactions involving hypertension and chest pain were confirmed. However, no serious adverse reactions have been reported so far.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 4th that it held the first quarter 'SOFA Korea-US Disease Prevention and Control Subcommittee' meeting with the US Forces Korea on the 3rd.
At this meeting, the response to COVID-19 within the US Forces Korea and adverse reactions following vaccination of Korean nationals within the US Forces Korea were the main topics of discussion.
According to the KDCA, the US Forces Korea began administering the Moderna vaccine on December 29 of last year. Korean national healthcare workers employed within the US Forces Korea also began vaccination.
More than approximately 1,900 Korean nationals completed the first dose, and the second dose began on January 26.
Among Korean nationals, there have been a total of two reported cases of adverse reactions, involving hypertension and chest pain. Other reactions such as muscle pain at the injection site and fever were also reported, but no serious adverse reactions have been reported so far.
To date, no causal relationship between vaccination and adverse reactions has been established.
The US Forces Korea reported that although there was initial hesitancy to receive the vaccine due to concerns about side effects, a more proactive atmosphere toward vaccination has developed recently since the start of the second dose.
According to the US Forces Korea, from February last year to January this year, there have been a total of 682 confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the US Forces Korea. Currently, all US Forces Korea personnel entering South Korea must undergo testing immediately upon arrival.
Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "We will continue to monitor adverse reactions among Korean nationals, and we hope for smooth information sharing with the US Forces Korea," urging the strengthening of the COVID-19 response cooperation system between the two countries.
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