Vaccine Vaccination Schedule Disrupted Again... Authorities Say Moderna Notified 'Production Issues' (Comprehensive)

"Possible Partial Adjustment of Moderna Vaccine Schedule"

On the 26th, when COVID-19 vaccinations began for those aged 55 to 59, citizens visiting the vaccination center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, received their vaccines. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The supply of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine has become unstable once again. Moderna has informed the government of issues related to vaccine production. Previously, the vaccination schedule for people in their 50s was adjusted due to delays in the supply schedule of Moderna vaccines, raising concerns that the vaccination plan may face further disruptions.

On the 26th, Park Ji-young, head of the Vaccine Introduction Support Team at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated at the regular COVID-19 briefing, "While continuously negotiating with Moderna for stable vaccine supply, we were informed by Moderna of issues related to production." She emphasized, "We are currently conducting frequent working-level consultations to ascertain the facts and prepare countermeasures, mobilizing all administrative and diplomatic capabilities."

As of this month, a total of 1.04 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been introduced into the country. Considering that the direct contract volume is 40 million doses, the actual supplied amount is very minimal. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, which is regularly introduced, the timing of Moderna vaccine deliveries is irregular and the quantities are very small.

Park said, "Some (vaccination) schedules for the Moderna vaccine may be adjusted. We are currently investigating the situation in detail from various angles, including with the pharmaceutical company, and will promptly provide updated information within the scope that can be disclosed as soon as we confirm the details through consultations with the company."

Accordingly, concerns have grown that the vaccination for those under 40, expected to begin around the end of next month, may face setbacks. In particular, following the 50s, people under 40 are scheduled to receive both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but the exact type of vaccine they will receive will only be known close to the vaccination date. Hong Jeong-ik, head of the Vaccination Planning Division at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said, "The target population for vaccination aged 18 to 49 is estimated to be about 17 million, and it is impossible to vaccinate all with a single vaccine. We can only inform the vaccination schedule according to the supply situation of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines at each vaccination period. We expect to be able to inform the type of vaccine starting the following week at least one week before the vaccination after reservation."