"Success in Using Macros for Leftover Vaccine Inoculation" with Certification Shot... Authorities "Will Take Measures and Act"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] As suspicions have been raised that macro (automated repetition) programs are being used domestically to make reservations for leftover COVID-19 vaccines, health authorities have begun preparing countermeasures.

On the 21st, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) responded to related inquiries through a press reference, stating, "We are currently in consultation with Naver regarding this matter," and added, "We plan to promptly establish and implement countermeasures."

The KDCA launched same-day reservation app services with Naver and Kakao on the 27th of last month to minimize vaccine wastage due to no-shows and to collectively utilize leftover vaccines. Each medical institution registers leftover vaccines on the mobile app, and those wishing to be vaccinated can find and reserve appointments at medical institutions with leftover vaccines through the app; however, in reality, it is not easy to get vaccinated through this app.

Meanwhile, recently, cases have been shared online where users succeeded in making reservations and receiving leftover vaccines by using macros. On some communities such as Clien, posts titled "Used a macro briefly and succeeded immediately" have been uploaded along with screenshots of the KDCA's electronic vaccination certificate. It is also known that macro programs for leftover vaccine reservations are being distributed online.

Meanwhile, as of now, a total of 252,368 people have been vaccinated with leftover AstraZeneca (AZ) and Janssen vaccines using the mobile app.