Police Chief: "Police Officers Must Consent to COVID-19 Vaccination"

AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Regarding some opposition to police officers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong of the National Police Agency stated, "Vaccination will only be done with the individual's consent."

At a press briefing on the 19th, Commissioner Kim said, "Police officers themselves must access the vaccination system to schedule the time and place. If they do not make a reservation, vaccination will not occur automatically."

Earlier, as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency advanced the COVID-19 vaccination schedule, some police officers expressed dissatisfaction, questioning whether they were being forced to receive the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, which has raised many safety concerns.

Regarding the organization of vaccination groups, Commissioner Kim explained, "Police officers must work 24 hours without gaps, and if left to individual discretion, vaccinations might be concentrated at specific times, so this was done to prevent that. Fundamentally, vaccination is a matter decided according to the individual's will."

Meanwhile, concerning recent allegations that police executives, including the police commissioner, received golf entertainment from businessmen, Commissioner Kim stated, "If any illegal or improper matters are confirmed, strict measures will be taken," adding, "The audit function is currently verifying the facts."