Half of Gokseong County Residents Complete First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Ranked No.1 in Jeonnam

First Dose Vaccination Rate at 47.8%, Notable Collaboration Between Health Departments, Eupmyeon, and Village Chiefs

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) announced on the 16th that 47.8% of its residents have completed the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, recording the highest vaccination rate in Jeollanam-do.

According to Gokseong-gun, as of midnight on the 13th, 13,411 residents have completed the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Considering the total population of Gokseong-gun is 28,039, this means about 47.8%, nearly half, have been vaccinated.

Given that the nationwide first dose vaccination rate in South Korea was about 23% around the same time, this figure is more than double the national average. Regarding vaccine types, 5,006 people received the Pfizer vaccine, 8,155 received AstraZeneca, and 250 received Janssen.

The second dose vaccination is also progressing rapidly. As of the 14th, 4,847 people have completed their second dose. This means about 36% of those who received the first dose have completed the second dose as well.

The high vaccination rate in Gokseong-gun appears to be largely influenced by the relatively small population. However, this alone does not fully explain the high vaccination rate. Even when compared to other cities and counties in Jeollanam-do with similar or smaller populations, Gokseong-gun’s vaccination rate is significantly higher.

A county official cited the smooth collaboration among the health department responsible for vaccinations, the town and township offices handling vaccination guidance, and village chiefs promoting vaccination and obtaining consent as reasons for the high vaccination rate.

A health department official in Gokseong-gun said, “While the vaccination rate is important, we are truly relieved that there have been no severe adverse reactions so far. We will do our best to operate a safe vaccination center until all vaccinations are completed and to carefully monitor any adverse reactions,” adding, “We hope that residents can return to their daily lives as soon as possible.”