"Scared of Side Effects, But Should I Get the Booster Shot Again?"... What Do You Think About Receiving the 'Booster Shot'?

Jeong Eun-gyeong "Additional vaccination needed around first half of next year for ages 18-49"
Some citizens "Afraid to get booster shot due to side effect concerns"
Pfizer director "Breakthrough infections more common than expected... booster shot necessary"

A citizen is receiving a vaccine at the vaccination center set up in Sadang Sports Complex, Dongjak-gu, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Is it really necessary to get the booster shot?"

Since the phased return to normal life (With COVID-19) began, the number of severe COVID-19 cases has hovered around 500 daily, increasing the importance of additional vaccinations (booster shots). Previously, health authorities started administering booster shots to seniors aged 60 and above and those vaccinated with Janssen, and it is currently reported that they are considering offering booster shots to healthy adults aged 18 to 49 as well.

However, citizens are showing skeptical reactions toward the booster shot. Especially those who experienced various side effects during their initial vaccinations are reluctant to get the booster. Additionally, people in their 20s and 30s, who are likely to experience asymptomatic or mild cases even if infected with COVID-19, express that they do not want to take the third dose while risking side effects.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters (Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), stated at a regular briefing on the afternoon of the 22nd, "Regarding additional vaccinations for those aged 18 to 49, considering the current epidemic situation and the waning immunity over time, we see the need to expand it to the entire group."

She added, "Countries are expanding the target groups for additional vaccinations, and the approved age for booster shots is also increasing, so we plan to review this with experts and the vaccination advisory committee. We are analyzing domestic and foreign data on the necessity, safety, and effectiveness of additional vaccinations for the general adult population."

She also said, "Since most people aged 18 to 49 completed their vaccinations by October, even if additional vaccinations are administered, they are expected to be applied in the first half of next year. However, it is difficult to set a fixed schedule and provide guidance because expert reviews and data compilation take time."

This appears to be an effort to enhance infection prevention against COVID-19 among people under 40 by administering additional vaccinations as various quarantine indicators rapidly worsen after the phased return to normal life.

Currently, health authorities are administering booster shots to Δhigh-risk groups such as seniors aged 60 and above and patients in nursing hospitals ΔCOVID-19 treatment hospital workers Δimmunocompromised individuals ΔJanssen vaccine recipients Δpeople in their 50s Δpatients with underlying conditions and priority occupational groups Δworkers in medical institutions at hospital level or higher.

Medical staff are busy handling Pfizer vaccines at the COVID-19 vaccine storage center in the Yongsan-gu Vaccination Center, Seoul. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB.

However, citizens are showing skeptical reactions toward additional vaccinations for adults under 40. Especially among the 20s and 30s age groups, who have a low fatality rate from COVID-19 infection, there is criticism that they do not want to get the booster shot while risking side effects.

A 30-year-old office worker, Mr. A, said, "I wonder if the vaccine is effective. Didn't the government originally say herd immunity would be formed by November? But even though the vaccination rate is high, confirmed cases keep increasing. Now, having 2,000 confirmed cases daily is normal," adding, "It seems the vaccination rate doesn't matter. If the number of confirmed cases had visibly decreased after people got vaccinated, they would have taken the vaccine despite side effects, but since that's not the case, I wonder if it's really necessary."

A 20-year-old university student, Ms. B, also said, "Recently, it seems many people suffer from vaccine side effects," adding, "I feel scared because the vaccine's safety doesn't seem verified. The fatality rate is low for people in their 20s and 30s. I hope they don't force the booster shot." She further pointed out, "Rather, wearing masks thoroughly and refraining from going out would be more helpful for quarantine."

Meanwhile, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of the 7th, among 35,907,789 people who completed COVID-19 vaccination in Korea, 35,620 (0.099%) are estimated to have experienced breakthrough infections. This means 99 breakthrough infections per 100,000 people.

However, the government and health authorities emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective defense measure at present.

President Moon Jae-in said during the 'Dialogue with the People' held on the 21st, "79% of the entire population has completed the second dose. This is a very high figure," but added, "It is necessary to accelerate the third dose. I hope people actively participate in vaccination for their own health and the safety of the community."

Meanwhile, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and currently a Pfizer board member, also emphasized the necessity of COVID-19 booster shots.

Dr. Gottlieb appeared on the U.S. economic channel CNBC on the 23rd (local time) and said, "Even fully vaccinated people can experience breakthrough infections after one year. This is especially true for those who received their initial vaccines a long time ago."

He continued, "Breakthrough infections can be more frequent if people do not get a booster shot after completing their initial vaccination," emphasizing, "The booster shot restores antibody levels generated by the initial vaccine and provides almost immediate effectiveness."