Is Guam Entry Banned After Receiving AZ Vaccine? Authorities Say "Unrealistic Claim"

There Is "No Confirmation Yet" on Vaccination Incentives

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Authorities have dismissed concerns that individuals vaccinated with the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine might face discrimination or be denied entry when traveling abroad as "unrealistic claims."

On the 17th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated during a COVID-19 briefing, "The AZ vaccine is the most widely used vaccine worldwide," adding, "If discrimination against the AZ vaccine begins, key figures such as prime ministers vaccinated with it in Europe would also face discrimination."

Previously, former Future United Party lawmaker Park In-sook claimed that those vaccinated with the AZ vaccine could not travel to Guam, sparking controversy over discrimination against AZ vaccine recipients.

Son clarified, "Currently, the Guam government exempts from self-quarantine those vaccinated with vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it is not banning entry of other AZ vaccine recipients," emphasizing, "The United States manages entry by requiring PCR negative test certificates for entry from Korea and worldwide."

Regarding vaccination incentives, which have gained attention as vaccination expands, authorities expressed a cautious stance, stating, "Various measures are still under discussion, and nothing has been finalized." Son added, "Most adjustments to quarantine rules target those who have received the second dose, and we are reviewing whether there is room to apply some measures to first-dose recipients as well. Since Korea is just beginning vaccinations, it is too early to discuss incentives. We will review exceptions to quarantine rules according to vaccination progress and announce decisions as they are made."

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Quarantine General Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, also said, "There are many questions and expectations, but we must approach carefully to avoid confusion from premature statements," adding, "We will focus on confirmed matters such as quarantine easing announced so far, and will consider exemptions from gathering bans and other issues discussed overseas as the number of vaccinated individuals increases and confirmed cases decrease."