Gwangju Dong-gu "Starting Safe COVID-19 Vaccination"

Targeting about 90,000 residents... Dong-gu Culture Center to Establish a Hub Center

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Im Taek) announced on the same day that with the full-scale COVID-19 vaccination starting from the 26th, it aims to vaccinate all eligible individuals by November to establish herd immunity.

As of last month, the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Dong-gu was counted as 92,500 out of a total population of approximately 102,800, which corresponds to 87.8% of the total population. Children and adolescents under 18 and pregnant women are excluded.

Vaccinations will be conducted quarterly according to priority groups. Vaccinations will begin sequentially from today, with priority groups vaccinated from March to June, and the general public from June onward.

The quarterly vaccination targets are as follows: in the first quarter, COVID-19 dedicated medical staff, workers and residents of nursing hospitals and facilities; in the second quarter, home care for the elderly, welfare facility workers and users, medical institution and pharmacy workers; and in the third and fourth quarters, other unvaccinated residents.

Especially since most vaccine recipients are concentrated in the second half of the year, a vaccination hub center will be established at the Dong-gu Cultural Center to facilitate residents' convenience. It is expected to open as early as May, but no later than June.

The vaccination method varies depending on the target group.

Priority recipients in the first and second quarters, such as workers and residents of nursing hospitals and facilities, will be vaccinated either by their institutions or at public health centers. Other general citizens will be vaccinated at designated medical institutions and, in the future, at the Dong-gu Cultural Center according to vaccine availability and schedule.

Dong-gu plans to thoroughly prepare to ensure smooth vaccination by conducting detailed pre-vaccination simulation training centered on the ‘Vaccination Implementation Promotion Team’ led by Deputy Mayor Lee Seung-guk.

Mayor Im Taek of Dong-gu said, “We will pay close attention to ensure that residents can receive COVID-19 vaccinations safely and without disruption,” and added, “We hope everyone actively participates in vaccination to establish herd immunity against COVID-19 without exception.”