From Teachers in Their 50s... '23 Million Target' Q3 Vaccination Plan to Be Announced on the 17th

Among Elderly Aged 60-74, Those with 'Schedule Adjustments' Likely to Receive Priority Vaccination in July

On the 28th, elderly individuals who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations at the vaccination center in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, were waiting in the observation area. According to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team on the same day, the number of new first-dose vaccinations the previous day reached 640,000, combining 560,000 recipients of the AZ vaccine and 80,000 recipients of the Pfizer vaccine. This is the largest daily vaccination scale ever recorded. The nationwide first-dose vaccination rate, which had maintained the 7% range since the 7th, is expected to exceed 8% and enter the 9% range after 21 days. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The domestic COVID-19 vaccination plan for the third quarter will be announced next week.

According to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team on the 11th, the third-quarter vaccination plan, including the target groups, number of people, and types of vaccines for each vaccination group from July to September, will be announced on the 17th. However, if further adjustments are needed in the plan, the announcement may be delayed by one day to the 18th.

The government previously set a goal to complete the first dose for 36 million people, equivalent to 70% of the domestic population, by September. Since more than 13 million vaccinations are expected by the second quarter, approximately 23 million people are expected to be vaccinated during the third quarter.

In particular, vaccinations for the general population aged 18 to 59 will be implemented in the third quarter. The earliest target groups for July vaccinations have already been somewhat outlined. Those aged 60 to 74, who are currently receiving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine but had their schedules adjusted due to vaccine shortages, are expected to receive priority vaccinations next month. According to the age-based vaccination policy, the first dose for people in their 50s will also be administered next month.

During the summer vacation in July and August, vaccinations will be carried out for teachers and childcare workers aged 30 and above nationwide at daycare centers, kindergartens, and elementary, middle, and high schools in preparation for full in-person classes in the second semester. Vaccinations will also be given to examinees, including high school seniors, in line with the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) schedule. Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be administered to teachers, while Pfizer vaccines will be given to examinees. Since the interval between doses for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is 3 to 4 weeks, those receiving their first dose next month can complete their second dose by August.