Increase in Student Infections... Need for Vaccination in Children and Adolescents
Israel, USA, and Other Countries Already Vaccinating Those Aged 12 and Over
Health Authorities "Vaccination Under 18 Being Reviewed with Education Ministry and Experts"
Experts "Careful Preparation Needed to Convince Public Including Parental Consent"
On the 17th, when the second semester in-person classes for 1st and 2nd graders in elementary school began, students were attending school at Seongwon Elementary School in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] As COVID-19 cases among children and adolescents have increased recently due to school-related cluster infections, parents with young children are growing increasingly concerned. There are worries about whether those under 18 should also receive vaccinations. The quarantine authorities stated that they are reviewing vaccinations for children in consultation with the Ministry of Education and experts.
Since mid-month, as the second semester began, cluster infections have occurred in schools across the country. At a high school in Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province, where the first confirmed case was reported on the 22nd, the cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 12 as of the 25th. At a high school in Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 19 students have been consecutively infected since the 23rd.
Facilities frequently used by children and adolescents also found it difficult to avoid infection risks. At a children's sports facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, after one child was confirmed positive on the 15th, a total of 15 people including other children and their families were confirmed infected. At a Taekwondo gym in Suseong-gu, Daegu, the cumulative number of related confirmed cases reached 131 as of the 25th.
According to COVID-19 status data in the education sector released by the Ministry of Education on the 24th, 722 students were confirmed positive between the 19th and 23rd. This means an average of 144.4 students were infected daily during this period.
A child is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Overseas, countries with high vaccination rates such as Israel and the United States are vaccinating children and adolescents aged 12 and older. Israel, which began administering third doses on the 12th of last month, is vaccinating not only those aged 12 and above but also children aged 5 to 11 with underlying conditions. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 16 and older on the 23rd, and emergency use authorization has been granted for those aged 12 to 15.
South Korea is also considering vaccinations for children and adolescents under 18 in the fourth quarter. On the 23rd, Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, appeared at the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee plenary session and stated, "There are opinions that vaccination is necessary for children and adolescents, so we are reviewing this with the Ministry of Education and experts." Regarding the types of vaccines, she said, "Pfizer has changed the vaccination age to 12 and above, and we are reviewing lowering the age for Moderna."
However, no concrete plans have been announced yet. The decision on whether to vaccinate children and adolescents is expected to be announced in late next month.
On the 26th, when COVID-19 vaccinations began for the 18-49 age group, a citizen received a vaccination at Hongik Hospital in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, concerns about vaccine side effects have emerged as some cases of adverse reactions after vaccination have been reported. In some parent communities, voices expressing worries such as "I'm worried," and "Worried whether they get vaccinated or not" have been heard.
Earlier, on the 9th, a post appeared on the Blue House public petition board stating that a high school senior who received the Pfizer vaccine was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The petitioner explained, "Until three months ago, there were no abnormalities in blood tests, but nine days after vaccination, I was told there was a decrease in platelets and an increase in white blood cells," and "a re-examination diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia."
He continued, "My son was usually healthy, but because of the government's policy to increase vaccination rates, he became a leukemia patient overnight," and "Even when calling the local health center, the responses were not good. Who should be held responsible for this? It's frustrating," he appealed.
Experts have expressed a positive stance on vaccinating adolescents under 18. Professor Choi Jae-wook of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Korea University appeared on Yonhap News TV's 'News Cube' and said, "All advanced countries are preparing to vaccinate adolescents under 18, and some countries have already started vaccinating those aged 12 and above," adding, "However, the goal and reason for vaccinating those under 18 is not to reduce mortality or prevent severe cases through the vaccine, but to prevent the spread of infection."
Professor Choi advised that vaccination plans for children and adolescents should be prepared carefully. He said, "Since the vaccination target is minors, the process of obtaining parental consent and persuading the public from various perspectives is necessary."
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