Jeonnam Region Surpasses 80% Completion Rate for COVID-19 Vaccination

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The COVID-19 vaccination completion rate in the Jeonnam region has surpassed 80%.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 12th, as of the previous day, 1.54 million people have received the first dose, achieving a vaccination rate of 83.9%, and 1.47 million people have completed vaccination, reaching a completion rate of 80%.

Vaccinations began in February, making it the fastest pace nationwide. The simultaneous opening of vaccination centers in 22 cities and counties, visit vaccinations for the elderly and island residents, and priority vaccinations for foreigners and vulnerable groups are analyzed to have been effective proactive vaccination policies in Jeonnam.

However, it is not a situation to be complacent about as infections among those who have completed vaccination are increasing nationwide. Especially in Jeonnam, despite the high vaccination completion rate, there are many elderly people and many cases where several months have passed since vaccination, so rapid additional vaccinations are necessary.

Accordingly, the province is conducting additional vaccinations starting with the elderly and high-risk groups. The target groups include those aged 50 and over, nursing hospitals and nursing facilities, medical institutions at hospital level or higher, immunocompromised individuals such as leukemia, lymphoma, cancer patients, immune disease patients, organ transplant recipients, patients with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson's disease, and those who received the Janssen vaccine, totaling about 1 million people.

The vaccination interval is possible from 6 months after completion of vaccination. However, for immunocompromised individuals and Janssen vaccine recipients, it is possible from 2 months after completion, and for nursing hospitals and facilities, from 5 months after completion.

Kang Young-gu, Director of the Jeonnam Province Health and Welfare Bureau, said, "Even if vaccination is completed, immunity may decrease after more than 5 months, making one vulnerable to infection," and added, "Those eligible for additional vaccination, such as the elderly and workers in high-risk facilities, should definitely get vaccinated."