Ministry of Education to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination for Remaining School Staff in Q3

For kindergarten, grades 1-2, and grade 12 students and teachers, other staff excluded
Vaccine rollout resumes for health and special education teachers from the 12th
"Not recommended for those born after January 1992"

On the 8th, elderly people aged 75 and over are waiting to receive the Pfizer vaccine in front of Seoul's first vaccination center set up at Seongdong-gu Office in Seoul. Photo by Honam Moon munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Education announced plans to promote COVID-19 vaccination for school staff within the third quarter.

On the 12th, during a regular briefing with the press corps, the Ministry of Education explained, "We are discussing the timing of vaccinations for kindergarten and elementary school 1st and 2nd grade teachers and care personnel, as well as for 12th-grade students and teachers. Our position is to promote vaccination for the remaining school staff within the third quarter."

A Ministry of Education official stated, "Adults aged 18 and over were the vaccination target in the third quarter, and among them, those working in institutions responsible for children and adolescents were included as priority vaccination targets. Since school staff live continuously with children who are basically not eligible for vaccination and to conduct normal in-person classes, it is necessary to prevent transmission to the children," he explained.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Education and quarantine authorities decided to resume AstraZeneca vaccinations for health and special education teachers starting today. Although vaccinations were initially scheduled to begin on the 8th, they were postponed for about four days due to concerns about blood clots occurring after vaccination.

The Ministry of Education explained, "Vaccination is not recommended for those born after January 1, 1992, and local health centers have been individually contacting people since the weekend to coordinate vaccination schedules."

Regarding whether vaccinations for 12th graders and their teachers will proceed as planned, the Ministry of Education drew a line, stating that it is a decision for the quarantine authorities. It appears that 12th graders will receive the Pfizer vaccine. A Ministry of Education official said, "We are not discussing the vaccination schedule for 12th graders at this time."

They also expressed their intention to analyze the recent spread of infections in schools and academies and provide more detailed guidance on quarantine rules. A Ministry of Education official said, "We requested epidemiological investigation results from the quarantine authorities regarding recent incidents where students did not properly wear masks or comply with personal quarantine rules. We are preparing to classify the epidemiological results and coordinate with metropolitan and provincial offices of education to provide guidance and share information on quarantine rules," he explained.