Seongbuk-gu, COVID-19 Vaccination Starts from 26th ... First Step Towards Daily Recovery

AstraZeneca Vaccine to Be Administered First to Workers and Residents Under 65 in Nursing Hospitals and Facilities... Nursing Hospitals to Conduct In-House Vaccination, Nursing Facilities to Receive On-Site or Health Center Vaccination

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) will take the first step toward a COVID-19-free daily life on the 26th.

Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca vaccine will begin for inpatients, residents under the age of 65, and workers (1,558 people) at elderly group facilities such as nursing hospitals and nursing homes in the area.

The seven nursing hospitals in the area with resident medical staff will conduct vaccinations on-site starting the 26th, and from early March, the Seongbuk-gu Public Health Center will carry out visiting vaccinations at 16 nursing facilities.

Considering residents with mobility difficulties, this decision was made for nursing facilities; however, to minimize vaccine wastage, workers who are able to move will also receive vaccinations at the health center.

On the day of vaccination, to respond to adverse reactions, the Seongbuk-gu Fire Station will cooperate by prioritizing dispatch of 119 ambulances on-site, and a rapid response team for emergency patients will also be operated.

Additionally, adverse reactions will be thoroughly monitored after vaccination, and preparations for the second dose will proceed without delay.

Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, stated, “We will actively consult with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Seoul City regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and carefully review all procedures before proceeding. We will mobilize all district government resources for vaccine supply and administration to support the government’s goal of achieving herd immunity.”

He also urged, “The cooperation and interest of all residents are needed as we take steps toward a life free from COVID-19.”

Meanwhile, Seongbuk-gu plans to start with nursing hospitals and nursing facilities in the area, conduct self-vaccinations for high-risk medical institution workers and vaccinations at the public health center for first responders such as epidemiological investigators in March, and expand the vaccination target group to residents aged 65 and older from May.

A district official added, “The timing of vaccinations may vary depending on the quantity and timing of vaccine supply, and detailed matters will follow domestic vaccine supply conditions and government guidelines.”