The Best Achievement in 100 Days: "Securing Additional Vaccines"
Active Clarification on Various Suspicions Regarding Vaccine Introduction
Health and Welfare Minister Kwon Deok-cheol is speaking at a press briefing held at the Sejong Government Complex on the morning of the 8th. (Provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare)
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] "The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that the benefits of receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks. This announcement is based on scientific evidence." (Kwon Deok-cheol, Minister of Health and Welfare)
Minister Kwon Deok-cheol of the Ministry of Health and Welfare repeatedly expressed his intention to continue administering the AstraZeneca vaccine during an online and offline press briefing held at the Sejong Government Complex on the morning of the 8th. The day before, the government decided to postpone AstraZeneca vaccinations for special education, childcare, and health teachers due to the risk of rare blood clots occurring after vaccination, and to suspend vaccinations for those under 60 years old. As a result, vaccinations for approximately 180,000 people (▲postponed 142,202 ▲suspended 38,771) have been delayed.
On the same day, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated that very rare cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may occur in recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, the EMA emphasized that the benefits of vaccination outweigh these risks and recommended continuing vaccinations.
Regarding this situation, Minister Kwon said, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency have consulted various experts and reviewed the EMA results, and we plan to resume vaccinations." He repeatedly emphasized, "The EMA also announced that these side effects are very rare and that the benefits of vaccination are greater than not getting vaccinated." He also shared, "I received the AstraZeneca vaccine together with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and aside from the usual immune response, there were no special issues."
Health and Welfare Minister Kwon Deok-cheol received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Jongno-gu Public Health Center in Seoul on the 26th of last month. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
The COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team also announced in the afternoon that it will begin discussions to resume AstraZeneca vaccine administration. The team plans to announce the results after consultations with the thrombosis expert advisory group, vaccine expert advisory group, and the Vaccination Specialist Committee over the weekend.
Minister Kwon cited securing additional vaccines as the most correct decision he made during his first 100 days in office. He said, "There was controversy over whether additional vaccine supplies were necessary given the current secured quantities," adding, "Because the supply situation is uncertain, we strongly advocated within the government to secure vaccines whenever possible."
Regarding the ongoing additional vaccine procurement, he emphasized that Novavax is a product produced domestically by SK Bioscience, a Korean company, through technology transfer, and that essential raw materials have already been secured. However, since the product has not yet received approval, it will be supplied once authorization is granted. He also mentioned that discussions are underway via video conferences to potentially advance the delivery schedules for Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Moderna vaccines.
In February, President Moon Jae-in visited Punglim Pharmatech, a production facility for low dead space (LDS) syringes used for COVID-19 vaccinations in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, and examined the low dead space vaccine syringes. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the same day, Minister Kwon addressed various speculations and suspicions related to vaccine supply.
Regarding allegations that the Korean government rejected Pfizer's offer to supply additional doses earlier in February on the grounds that purchasing more vaccines would result in earlier delivery, he said, "That does not make sense," reiterating that efforts are ongoing to secure additional supplies. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also stated that the allegation is "not true" earlier that morning.
When asked about the possibility of receiving Pfizer vaccines in exchange for providing low dead space (LDS) syringes, he said, "I have not heard of that," but added, "If necessary, we may use it as a negotiation strategy for other vaccines." Regarding the ban on exporting domestically produced AstraZeneca vaccines, he explained, "We are keeping all options open," but acknowledged, "There are various issues involved."
He also commented on the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, stating that since it is being contract-produced in Korea and its efficacy and safety are being evaluated in Europe, "We are closely monitoring the situation," but clarified that there are currently no plans to introduce it. He also said that the Chinese Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines have "not been considered."
Regarding the situation where AstraZeneca vaccines procured through the global vaccine procurement project 'COVAX Facility' are produced domestically but exported to Europe and then re-imported, he said, "I think the system needs improvement," but explained, "We must follow international organization rules, which apply equally to all countries."
Minister Kwon expressed a cautious stance on supplying leftover vaccines to North Korea. He said, "Sending vaccines to North Korea after securing enough for the entire population and having surplus would require broad social consensus and agreement," adding, "There has been no review or consultation with the Ministry of Unification on this matter."
On the 7th, the day of the April 7 by-elections, citizens are lining up to vote at Hapjeong-dong 3rd polling station set up at Hapjeong-dong Community Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@
Minister Kwon also revealed his concerns about adjusting social distancing levels amid fears of a 'fourth wave' of COVID-19. He said, "If we uniformly raise the measures, citizens and businesses that have been complying well will be forced to comply equally," expressing concerns about increased fatigue and potential effectiveness issues. He added, "We are considering strengthening effectiveness by focusing on places where cluster infections have recently occurred." The government plans to announce adjustments to social distancing measures, effective from the 12th, on the 9th.
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