[Neologism Dictionary] Impfenight - People Envious of Vaccination

Impfneid is a word combining the German words impfen (to vaccinate) and neid (envy), meaning envy towards those vaccinated against COVID-19. It was announced as one of the new COVID-19-related terms compiled by the Leibniz Institute on the 23rd of last month. Illustration by artist Oh Seongsu

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] In South Korea, on the 26th of last month, priority COVID-19 vaccinations with AstraZeneca began for patients and workers under 65 at nursing hospitals. However, on that day, at a nursing hospital in Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, a woman appeared and received the vaccine, cutting in line ahead of the long queue. The woman was identified as the wife of the younger brother of the nursing hospital foundation's chairman. As the controversy grew, the hospital explained that there was no problem because she was an outside director, but when media reports revealed that she had resigned as an outside director 10 years ago, they immediately excused it by saying, "She was vaccinated early because she is scheduled to be appointed as an auditor of the foundation soon." Meanwhile, in Peru, former presidents and high-ranking government officials were criticized for receiving the vaccine first, and in Argentina, a journalist revealed that the health minister was vaccinated ahead of schedule because he was a friend, leading to the minister's dismissal. In Palestine, the autonomous government was criticized for prioritizing high-ranking officials for vaccination over medical staff, using some of the vaccine doses donated by the international community, as they could not secure vaccines independently.

“Impfnneid” is a German word combining impfen (to vaccinate) and neid (envy), meaning envy toward those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. It was announced as one of the new COVID-19-related terms compiled by the Leibniz Institute on the 23rd of last month. As cases of line-cutting vaccinations breaking through impfnneid have continued amid global vaccine supply shortages, a statement by a vaccine manufacturer’s CEO from late last year has resurfaced. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, said in an interview with the U.S. broadcaster CNBC in December last year, “To boost vaccine confidence, I considered getting vaccinated first myself but decided against it,” adding, “I did not want to create a line-cutting case.” He further explained, “I am a healthy 59-year-old and not working on the COVID-19 frontline, so I am not currently eligible for vaccination,” and “Executives and directors, including myself, will get vaccinated according to their age and occupation when it is their turn.” The CEO’s stance to receive the vaccine in order, despite being in a position to get it first, sharply contrasts with those who cut in line ahead of medical staff and patients. The health authorities stated that they are reviewing criminal charges against those involved in line-cutting vaccinations for violating infectious disease control laws.

Usage Example

A: I heard on the news that in Argentina, ministers and members of the National Assembly cut in line to get vaccinated, and citizens even held protests.
B: Since vaccine supply isn’t smooth, the idea is to vaccinate medical staff first, but still... it’s a total moral hazard.
A: In Germany, envy toward vaccinated people is called impfnneid. Will you get vaccinated when it’s your turn?
B: Of course, I will. Given the situation, whether it’s Pfizer, Moderna, or AZ doesn’t really matter.
A: Right. I just hope to get vaccinated soon and worry less.