COVID-19 Vaccine First Dose Increases by 29,000... Vaccination Rate 2.91% of Population

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Since the start of COVID-19 vaccinations in South Korea, approximately 2.91% of the entire population has completed the first dose over a period of 51 days.

According to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team (Promotion Team) on the 18th, 29,165 new vaccine doses were administered the previous day. Since vaccinations began domestically on February 26, a total of 1,512,503 people have completed their first dose.

The vaccination rate compared to the domestic population (52 million) is 2.91%.

Among the cumulative first-dose recipients, 1,000,235 received the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, and 512,268 received the Pfizer vaccine.

No additional second doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered the previous day, keeping the total number of fully vaccinated individuals at 60,585.

The cumulative total of Pfizer vaccine first and second doses combined amounts to 1,573,088 doses administered.

Currently, vaccinations in South Korea are being carried out with AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.

AstraZeneca vaccinations began on February 26 for inpatients and residents under 65 years old and staff at nursing hospitals and care facilities, and the target group has since expanded to include first responders to COVID-19 and workers at medical institutions at the hospital level or higher.

For the Pfizer vaccine, initial allocations were made to workers at COVID-19 treatment hospitals, with vaccinations starting on February 27, and second doses have been administered since the 20th of last month. Pfizer vaccinations have also been underway this month for those aged 75 and older.

Since the 15th, 104 additional vaccination centers have been added, bringing the total to 175 centers where vaccinations are being administered to seniors aged 75 and older as well as residents and staff of elderly care facilities.

Both vaccines require two doses. The AstraZeneca vaccine recommends a second dose interval of 8 to 12 weeks, while the Pfizer vaccine recommends a 3-week interval between doses.