Vaccine Death Compensation of 400 Million Won?…KCDC Assures "Payments Will Be Made Without Delay" Amid Budget Shortage Concerns

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency clarified that despite reports of insufficient budget for compensation related to adverse reactions from COVID-19 vaccinations, payments will be made without any disruption.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) clarified that despite reports of insufficient budget for compensation payments for adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination, payments will be made without any disruption.

On the 22nd, the KDCA issued a press release stating, "Compensation for COVID-19 vaccination adverse reactions is provided by the government under Article 71 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act," and added, "It will be paid without any disruption through internal use and securing contingency funds."

Earlier, some media outlets reported that the KDCA had been allocated a budget of 549 million KRW for managing adverse reactions to vaccines, of which only 450 million KRW was designated for compensation payments.

In response, the KDCA explained, "For COVID-19 vaccination compensation, 450 million KRW from the second quarter contingency fund and 450 million KRW from the national vaccination compensation fund have already been secured," and added, "If the amount is insufficient, the KDCA plans to secure and execute compensation payments using the main budget."

The KDCA also emphasized, "If additional funds are needed, we will consult with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to secure contingency funds and ensure that compensation payments proceed without any issues."