"Novavax Domestic Production Starts This Month... 20 Million Doses to Be Supplied by Q3 (Comprehensive)"

"Focusing Capabilities on Additional Vaccine Procurement... Collaborating with Newly Appointed Organization Heads"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in predicted that domestic production of the Novavax vaccine would begin this month, allowing for the supply of 20 million doses by the third quarter. He urged that efforts be concentrated on additional vaccine procurement to resolve uncertainties. He also emphasized cooperation with newly inaugurated local leaders such as the mayors of Seoul and Busan.

On the afternoon of the 12th, President Moon held a special COVID-19 response quarantine inspection meeting at the Yeomin 1 Hall video conference room in the Blue House and said, " I can confidently say that our country is significantly reducing uncertainties in vaccine supply through multifaceted efforts and preparations."

President Moon stated, "Domestic production of the Novavax vaccine will begin this month, and raw materials necessary for vaccine production in the first half of the year have also been secured," adding, "Finished products will be released starting in June, and 20 million doses will be supplied to our citizens by the third quarter."

He continued, "Still, to resolve the remaining uncertainties and to enable faster vaccinations, I ask that all administrative and diplomatic capabilities be mobilized to secure additional vaccine quantities and expedite their introduction," adding, "I urge the full operation of the pan-government cooperation system to explore all measures including additional production, additional purchases, and early supply."

President Moon instructed, "In addition to the vaccines currently being introduced, actively consider the introduction of other types of vaccines whose immune efficacy and safety have been confirmed, and proactively prepare for any possible situations," emphasizing, "Make every effort not only to achieve the original goal of herd immunity by November but also to advance the timeline for achieving it."

Regarding concerns about vaccine safety, he said, "The controversy over the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been settled for now," and urged, "I ask the public to trust scientific judgment and actively participate in vaccinations according to government guidelines."

Expressing concern over the recent spread of COVID-19 and the reality of the "4th wave," President Moon stressed the need to prevent further spread through proactive testing expansion and legal measures against violations of quarantine rules.

He requested, "Make full use of our daily testing capacity of 500,000 tests, expand testing targets as much as possible in cooperation with local governments, and implement proactive testing more actively," adding, "Expand proactive testing in necessary facilities and regions, reform the testing system to make it easier for asymptomatic and mild cases to access, and consider introducing various testing methods."

He added, "Simply adhering properly to the current quarantine rules has the effect of raising the quarantine level," and said, "By taking strict legal actions under a zero-tolerance policy against violations of quarantine rules, we must raise the recently relaxed quarantine vigilance."

President Moon said, "Operate a government joint quarantine inspection team to focus on vulnerable facilities leading the increase in confirmed cases, and have the minister in charge of each relevant department serve as the quarantine officer responsible for on-site inspections and management to enhance accountability," adding, "Please make special efforts to coordinate and cooperate closely with newly inaugurated local leaders."

He concluded, "If we fall behind here, even if it burdens people's livelihoods and the economy, we will have no choice but to raise social distancing levels," and said, "The government will continue the success of K-quarantine through flawless quarantine and smooth vaccination, and I ask the public for continued participation and cooperation in following quarantine rules and getting vaccinated."