Stinging, Throbbing... It Took Less Than a Minute to Eliminate 1 Year and 4 Months of Fear

[Report] Janssen Vaccine Rollout Begins... Reporter Receives Dose

Unified Effort to Achieve Herd Immunity and Overcome COVID-19
Fever Reducers and Painkillers in Short Supply in Some Areas

On the 10th, when Janssen vaccine administration began for reservists aged 30 to under 60, civil defense personnel, and those related to defense and diplomacy, a person in their 30s eligible for vaccination received the Janssen vaccine at Kim Internal Medicine Clinic in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporters Byungdon Yoo, Jeongyun Lee] "I hope herd immunity is achieved quickly so we can return to our daily lives."

At around 7:50 a.m. on the 10th, at a designated medical institution in Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. The Janssen vaccine administration for reservists aged 30 to under 60, civil defense personnel, and those related to defense and diplomacy was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., but people gathered even before the vaccination began. From 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 20 people had reservations for the Janssen vaccine, and 8 people arrived at the hospital before the vaccination started. All 20 who had reservations completed their vaccinations before 9 a.m.

The reporter also received the Janssen vaccine that day. First, they filled out a form regarding any severe allergic reactions or illnesses, or whether they had COVID-19 infection or underlying conditions. Then, after presenting an ID and having their temperature taken, a brief preliminary examination was conducted with a doctor regarding vaccination precautions. Only after this process was completed was the vaccine administered. During the vaccination, there was a throbbing sensation, but no significant pain occurred.

At the same time, a designated medical institution in Gajeong-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, was also crowded with citizens waiting to receive the vaccine even before the vaccination started. From around 7:50 a.m., about ten people filled out vaccination questionnaires and waited for their turn. As the waiting time lengthened, some citizens caused a commotion by complaining to hospital staff, saying, "Why are we being made to wait even though we made reservations?"

The vaccination took less than a minute. After vaccination, people waited at the hospital for 15 to 30 minutes to monitor for any adverse symptoms. Hospital staff were also seen advising vaccinated citizens on post-vaccination precautions. The advice included refraining from drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise, or bathing on the day of vaccination.

On the 7th, the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for the general elderly population aged 60 to 64 living in the community and military personnel under 30 years old began. Citizens are receiving vaccines at the vaccination center set up at Bukahyeon Culture and Sports Center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Citizens who visited hospitals to receive the Janssen vaccine were more hopeful than worried about side effects. Kang Mo (37), a civil defense member, said, "I've heard that vaccination will allow travel, but that's secondary. My main hope is that herd immunity will be achieved quickly through vaccination so we can overcome COVID-19." He added, "I plan to take sufficient rest during the vaccine leave today and tomorrow."

There were also citizens who came to receive the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine. They too hoped that vaccination would reduce their worries about COVID-19 infection. Jung Mo (38) said, "My wife is about to give birth soon, so I came to get vaccinated," adding, "I hope vaccination will lessen our concerns about COVID-19."

Before the Janssen vaccine administration, some regions experienced shortages of acetaminophen-based antipyretic analgesics. This was due to medical recommendations to take such medication if severe fever or chills occur after vaccination. On the 7th, the Korean Pharmaceutical Association issued a public notice titled ‘Guidance on the Use of Antipyretic Analgesics after COVID-19 Vaccination,’ advising that if acetaminophen (AAP) drugs are unavailable, other antipyretic analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin can also be used.