[On-site Video] "Priority on Securing" vs "Need More Review" Citizens' Thoughts on 'Romania Vaccine Swap'

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "Securing vaccines is important.", "I don't think we are a vaccine-advanced country."

As the government’s decision to receive COVID-19 vaccines from Romania became known, various opinions have emerged. The opposition parties have criticized it as 'begging' for vaccines.

In response to such criticism, the government explained that it is a swap (exchange) beneficial to both countries, exchanging vaccines that Korea lacks for medical supplies needed by Romania.

Regarding the controversy over vaccines nearing expiration, the government also stated that people can be assured when getting vaccinated. On the morning of the 23rd, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said in an interview with MBC Radio’s ‘Kim Jong-bae’s Focus’ that "There seem to be various expiration dates, but the earliest is around November, so (there is no problem)," and emphasized again that "Since these are vaccines with remaining shelf life, we believe they can be used comfortably," dismissing concerns about efficacy.

Citizens expressed diverse opinions. On the same morning, Park (65), an office worker met on Cheonggyecheon-ro in Jung-gu, Seoul, showed a positive stance on the vaccine swap. Park emphasized, "Since Korea cannot produce vaccines independently, if any country has vaccines, we must bring them in and get vaccinated no matter what." He added, "People should get vaccinated quickly so they can take off their masks."

A citizen in their 70s, Mr. A, said, "We need to get vaccinated even one dose earlier," adding, "Since we have not secured vaccines yet, I think it is better to bring and get vaccinated as soon as possible regardless of the vaccine source."

Another citizen, Mr. B (71), said, "The issue is how many vaccines our country has secured," and added, "Many have called South Korea a developed country... Only when all citizens are vaccinated and there are leftover vaccines to give to other countries can we truly be a developed country." He further argued, "I think it is somewhat inappropriate to borrow a hand from other countries and receive vaccines on a humanitarian basis to that extent."

Meanwhile, earlier, the government had explored the possibility of swaps with several countries including Romania, considering that domestic vaccine shortages could occur at any time while some countries have surplus vaccines. In that process, last month, Korea received 782,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines from Israel and plans to return the same amount between September and November.