Achieving 90% First Dose Vaccination Rate Among Population Aged 18 and Over... "Based on Public Participation Awareness" (Update)

On the 5th, medical staff are guiding citizens at the vaccination center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, as the quarantine authorities accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations for the phased daily recovery 'With Corona.' Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] 90% of South Korea's population aged 18 and over have completed their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, as of midnight on the 5th, the cumulative number of first-dose COVID-19 vaccinations in the country exceeded 39.73 million, achieving a 90% first-dose vaccination rate among the population aged 18 and over.

Hong Jeong-ik, head of the Vaccination Management Team at the Promotion Team, said at a briefing that "Out of approximately 44.139 million people aged 18 and over, about 39.74 million have received their first dose, recording a 90% vaccination rate," adding, "This means that 90% of the eligible population participated in vaccination."

Hong emphasized, "There were various distrusts and anxieties regarding vaccine supply, vaccination effectiveness period, capacity, and adverse reactions, as well as fake news. However, the public made rational judgments, and a sense of participation to protect local communities and hasten the return to normal life formed the basis for the high vaccination rate," highlighting its significance.

He explained, "In other countries, there tends to be a plateau in vaccination rates due to vaccine hesitancy, and in the United States, coercive measures such as mandatory vaccination are sometimes employed. South Korea achieved a high vaccination rate through national unity and solidarity to overcome the crisis."

Furthermore, Hong stressed, "With concerns about breakthrough infections, the second dose is important," and added, "We will ensure thorough measures including prompt response to adverse reactions, convenience for unvaccinated individuals, and booster shots for high-risk groups."

Meanwhile, as reservations for COVID-19 vaccinations for adolescents aged 16 to 17 begin today, the government has not yet decided whether to disclose the pre-reservation rate.

Hong added, "Reservations for pediatric and adolescent vaccinations start this evening, and we are reviewing whether it is appropriate to disclose the pre-reservation rate or keep it undisclosed. No decision has been made yet, and we will inform the public once a decision is made in consultation with the Ministry of Education."