[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and emergency committee chairman, announced on the 22nd that the party will also take charge of managing the COVID-19 vaccination status to ensure smooth progress. Regarding the safety concerns of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine, he stated that vaccination should continue as the incidence rate of rare blood clots is similar.
At the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Yoon said, "The estimated incidence of thrombosis cases after AZ vaccination is 1 per 1 million people. The general incidence rate of rare blood clots is similarly 1 to 4 per 1 million people."
He added, "Since February, group infections in nursing hospitals and facilities where the AZ vaccine was administered have significantly decreased," emphasizing that "experts strongly recommend vaccination."
He continued, "To achieve herd immunity, 36 million people need to be vaccinated, and the supply volume is expected to be sufficient as planned," adding, "We will do our best to ensure the prompt supply and safe administration of vaccines."
He also stated that the party will take the lead in managing the vaccination status going forward. Yoon said, "Yesterday, the Democratic Party's emergency vaccine supply inspection team held its first meeting. We will closely monitor the vaccination status and responsibly report the results to the public," and added, "If there are shortcomings in government policies such as improving the vaccination system or ensuring no disruption in supply, we will supplement them."
He further said, "However, it is not desirable to excessively highlight extreme cases and incite public anxiety," and expressed hope that "all political circles will cooperate to achieve the goal. The Democratic Party, as the ruling party, will do its best for quarantine and the recovery of the people's livelihood economy."
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