Jeong Eun-gyeong "Vaccine adverse reactions 0.1%... Please participate in vaccination"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Jeong Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, visited the vaccination center in Areum-dong, Sejong City on the 8th and urged the elderly who came to receive the Pfizer vaccine to get vaccinated with confidence.

On Parents' Day, Head Jeong wore a carnation on top of a yellow civil defense uniform. She said, "Thank you for coming to get vaccinated even on Parents' Day," and encouraged, "The adverse reaction rate to the COVID-19 vaccine is about 0.1%, mostly fever and muscle pain symptoms, so please participate in the vaccination."

Head Jeong greeted the elderly with a 90-degree bow, checked their health status, and inquired about their well-being. She volunteered directly at the center, helping with the pre-screening questionnaire and asking the elderly questions such as "Do you have a sore or scratchy throat?" and "Are you taking any medications like aspirin?" and checked their responses.

Most of the vaccination targets that day were elderly aged 75 and over who had completed their first dose and were scheduled for their second dose, and some elderly accompanied by middle-aged children were also present.

Head Jeong emphasized, "The Pfizer vaccine is said to cause more pain after the second dose," and added, "You should rest and drink plenty of water."

She continued, "Many people will visit their parents on Parents' Day, but due to COVID-19, it is also a cautious situation," and urged, "I hope children take care of their parents and help with vaccination appointments."

She also stated, "For those aged 60 and over, the mortality rate from COVID-19 is 5 out of 100, and for those aged 80 and over, it is 2 out of 10," adding, "If the first dose vaccination for those aged 60 and over proceeds smoothly by the end of next month, families will be able to safely hold gatherings."

She then checked whether emergency beds were properly equipped with emergency medicines, whether ambulances were nearby, and how far the nearest general hospital was.

Regarding the fact that there were no severe adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis in Sejong City, there was a reaction of relief. She said, "It is fortunate that the vaccination speed in the Sejong area is fast. Since COVID-19 vaccination can achieve more than 85% preventive effect, you will be able to live safely," and once again urged vaccination.