Government: "36 Million First Doses Completed by September... Second Doses by November" (Update)

"Achieving Herd Immunity Goal by November" Repeatedly Emphasized

On the 12th, as the spread of COVID-19 continues, seniors aged 75 and older are receiving the Pfizer vaccine at the Jung-gu COVID-19 Vaccination Center set up at Chungmu Sports Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government announced that it can complete the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination for 36 million people by November to establish herd immunity. For the first dose, it is expected to be possible by September.

On the 20th, Hong Jeong-ik, head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "The goal for herd immunity in November is to complete the second dose," and added, "It seems possible to complete the second dose for 36 million people by November."

Earlier, Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki stated during the National Assembly's government questioning session the previous day, "There will be no problem achieving herd immunity by November," and "To form herd immunity by November, 36 million doses must be administered to 36 million people." Regarding this, Hong clarified, "The 36 million doses and 36 million people mentioned by the Acting Prime Minister should be by September, not November."

On the 21st, 250,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines from individual contracts will arrive through Incheon Airport. With this, 1.75 million doses out of the 7 million doses scheduled for introduction in the first half of the year will be completed, and the remaining 5.25 million doses will be introduced sequentially every week. Specifically, 1.75 million doses are planned for May and 3.25 million doses for June.

However, regarding recent concerns about delays in vaccination schedules for the elderly aged 75 and over at vaccination sites, Hong said, "As vaccinations proceed sequentially from April to June, there may be differences in the installation or operation plans of vaccination centers by local governments," and added, "The timing of vaccination may vary slightly, but it is progressing sequentially."

He continued, "Currently, 175 vaccination centers are operating, and by the end of April, a total of 264 vaccination centers will be in operation," and emphasized, "All Pfizer vaccines introduced sequentially from April to June will be used for elderly vaccinations, and since there is no shortage of supply, we are not considering changing the vaccine type for seniors aged 75 and over."

The quarantine authorities plan to expand vaccinations next week to healthcare workers at medical institutions and pharmacies, chronic kidney disease patients, and essential social workers. Accordingly, the authorities explained that the vaccination speed will accelerate further.