Yu Eun-hye Emphasizes Vaccine Effectiveness: "No Disadvantages or Coercion for Vaccination at Schools"

Vaccination Plan for Children and Adolescents Aged 12-17 to Be Announced on the 27th
Yoo Eun-hye: "Vaccine Infection Prevention Effect Over 95% for Ages 16-18"
At Superintendents' Meeting, Urged "No Disadvantages for Unvaccinated"

On the 24th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye held a meeting with superintendents of education from across the country at the Government Seoul Office to hear opinions regarding the vaccination plan for ages 12 to 17.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye stated that the COVID-19 vaccination for high school seniors (grade 12) has an infection prevention effectiveness of over 98%, and a similar effect is expected for those aged 15 and under. However, she requested that since vaccination for children and adolescents is a personal choice, schools should not create an atmosphere that disadvantages students or forces vaccination.

On the 24th, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye held a meeting with superintendents of education from across the country to discuss support for detailed vaccination plans. The Ministry of Education listened to schedules, target groups, educational curriculum operation plans related to vaccination, and precautions, and based on opinions raised during the meeting, will announce academic operation plans related to vaccination on the 27th.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the Ministry of Education, considering the deliberation results of the Vaccination Expert Committee, will also promote vaccination for children and adolescents from 6th grade of elementary school to 2nd grade of high school (ages 12 to 17).

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo said, "So far, severe or critical COVID-19 cases among children and adolescents in Korea have been very rare, but due to the spread of variant viruses, the burden of COVID-19 infection in this age group may increase further."

The high infection prevention effectiveness observed from vaccinating high school seniors since July also serves as a basis for promoting vaccination among children and adolescents.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo explained, "According to the KDCA’s analysis of vaccination effectiveness in high school seniors, the infection prevention effectiveness for ages 16 to 18 is 95.8%, and especially for 18-year-olds, it was 98.5%. It is estimated that the effectiveness of vaccination will not be significantly different for those aged 15 and under."

She added, "According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s approval, the safety of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 to 15 is generally similar and favorable compared to the previously approved age group of 16 and older. Considering the necessity, effectiveness, and safety of vaccination comprehensively, the Vaccination Expert Committee reviewed and recommended promoting vaccination for ages 12 to 17."

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo emphasized that since vaccination is a choice, no disadvantages should be imposed on students based on their vaccination status.

She said, "Please ensure that there are no disadvantages in school activities depending on vaccination status, and above all, since vaccination is conducted based on personal consent, please monitor so that an atmosphere of coercion to vaccinate does not form in schools."

The Ministry of Education plans to establish vaccination schedules so that there are no disruptions to academic calendars and attendance.

Deputy Prime Minister Yoo stated, "We are consulting with the KDCA on academic operation support plans that provide sufficient time so that there is no strain on school-level academic schedules such as written and performance evaluations, and to ensure no disadvantages in attendance or evaluation. Please ensure that prior education and related guidance materials on precautions, adverse reactions, and response methods during vaccination are well communicated to students and parents."

She added, "There is a concern that infections may temporarily increase among students who dispersed nationwide during the holidays and have returned to school. The Ministry of Education will do its best to create a safe school environment so that children can fully enjoy the recovery of normal school life."