Cheong "President Moon's Vaccine Appointment Timing to Be Set by Back-Calculating G7 Summit Schedule" (Comprehensive)

Considering the Interval Between 1st and 2nd Doses, March to Early April Is Likely

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House announced that President Moon Jae-in plans to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in June, coinciding with the schedule of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, and that he will not choose the vaccine but receive it in the same manner as the general public.

Kang Min-seok, the Blue House spokesperson, stated at a briefing held at the Blue House Press Hall on the 4th, "President Moon's vaccination schedule will be determined considering the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's (KDCA) manual and diplomatic schedules."

Spokesperson Kang added, "Currently, the KDCA is administering vaccines to the entire population without offering a choice of vaccine, except for exceptional cases such as urgent official overseas travel, for which special arrangements are made. President Moon will also receive the vaccine without selecting it, just like the general public."

He further explained, "The timing of the vaccination will be set by working backward from the June G7 summit schedule, which is likely to be held in person."

Regarding this, a senior Blue House official said, "Pfizer vaccines are being administered to medical staff at infectious disease hospitals, and it is highly likely that President Moon will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine like the general public," adding, "President Moon is willing to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine."

On the vaccination method, the official added, "Although discussions have not progressed yet, the plan is to conduct the vaccination transparently."

Summarizing the statements from Blue House officials, President Moon's first dose is expected to be administered between March and early April. Since the AstraZeneca vaccine requires the second dose to be given eight weeks after the first, to complete the second dose before the G7 summit on June 11, the first dose must be completed by early April at the latest. Currently, the G7 summit is the only in-person summit scheduled for the first half of the year.