10 Days After Vaccination, 316,865 People Vaccinated
Most Adverse Reactions Include Headache, Fever, and Other Symptoms
"Vaccination Target of 10 Million People in the First Half of the Year"
Punishment for Fraudulent Vaccination to Be Enforced Tomorrow Under the 'Infectious Disease Prevention Act'
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Within ten days of the start of COVID-19 vaccination, a total of approximately 3,900 adverse reactions have been reported nationwide. Most symptoms are mild, such as headaches or fever, and the epidemiological investigation results on deaths following vaccination will also be announced today.
On the 8th, Jeon Hae-cheol, the 2nd Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), said in his opening remarks at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting, "Vaccination, which began on the 26th of last month, has been progressing smoothly, with 316,865 people vaccinated as of yesterday, the 10th day of vaccination. This accounts for 41.5% of the initial target population for priority vaccination."
The minister explained, "During the vaccination period, about 3,900 adverse reactions have been reported, but most are mild symptoms such as headaches and fever. Reports of deaths and suspected anaphylaxis after vaccination are being investigated epidemiologically to determine causality, and the results of the first investigation will be explained to the public today."
He continued, "The government will prepare to vaccinate 10 million people in the first half of the year without any setbacks. In addition to the existing five vaccination centers, 67 regional vaccination centers will be additionally established by April to ensure that vaccination is carried out safely and swiftly," he emphasized.
With the amendment to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act taking effect from tomorrow, penalties will also be imposed for vaccine queue-jumping and similar offenses. Minister Jeon explained, "Recently, cases have been confirmed where individuals who were not priority vaccination targets at some nursing hospitals received vaccinations through fraudulent means. Related to this, the amendment to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act will be enforced from tomorrow, and those who receive vaccinations through fraudulent methods will be punished."
He added, "This amendment also includes provisions regarding claims for damages against those who spread infectious diseases and penalties for violations of facility closure orders."
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters urged everyone to make every effort to block the spread of community infections as the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases remains serious.
Minister Jeon said, "The number of COVID-19 confirmed cases has not fallen below 300 to 400 for two consecutive weeks, and the number of confirmed cases in the metropolitan area accounts for 70 to 80% of the total, indicating a serious situation. Looking at the infection routes over the past week, infections related to contact with confirmed cases and local cluster outbreaks account for about 66% of total cases."
He added, "Although vaccination is underway, it is not yet time to take off masks. We ask for the participation and cooperation of the public so that the relaxed vigilance does not nullify the time of vaccination that has just begun."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
