Additional COVID-19 Booster Shots for Ages 18-49 Starting Next Month on the 4th... Quarantine Pass Validity Period Set to 6 Months (Update)

On the morning of the 29th, when the Omicron variant, which is more contagious than the Delta variant (India), appeared in 13 countries, passengers arriving on flights from Frankfurt and Khabarovsk entered through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Photo by Airport Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] Additional COVID-19 booster shots for individuals aged 18 to 49 will be fully implemented starting next month.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (Director Jeong Eun-kyung) announced on the 29th the 'COVID-19 Vaccination Progress and Measures to Increase Vaccination Rates,' stating that additional vaccinations for those aged 18 to 49 will begin next month.

Although individuals aged 18 to 49 are currently not included in the booster shot target group, considering recent quarantine conditions, overseas booster shot policy trends, and research results on vaccine effectiveness, it was decided to administer booster shots five months (150 days) after completing the primary vaccination series.

Eligible individuals for the booster shots can make advance reservations starting from the 2nd of next month and receive vaccinations from the 4th. Same-day vaccinations using leftover vaccines will be available starting from the 2nd as well.

Additionally, for personal reasons such as overseas travel or medical treatment, the timing of the booster shot can be advanced. In cases where group vaccinations or scheduling conflicts make it unavoidable, or for those wishing to receive leftover vaccines, early booster shots within one month of the standard interval will be allowed to facilitate prompt vaccination.

For example, while the booster interval for those aged 60 and above is generally four months, it can be advanced by one month to three months due to personal circumstances. For those aged 18 to 59, the interval is five months, but early vaccination can be done after four months.

Furthermore, considering the waning effect of vaccine effectiveness over time after vaccination, a validity period will be set for the quarantine pass.

A validity period of six months (five months booster interval + one month grace period) will be established for quarantine passes issued to those who have completed the primary vaccination series, with preparations underway to implement this starting from the 20th of next month.

Currently, the booster intervals vary by target group, but based on the deliberation of the Vaccination Expert Committee, the principle is set at five months, and considering the grace period, the quarantine pass validity period has been set at six months.

Jeong Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized, "To control the current outbreak and safely return to daily life, it is very important to complete the primary vaccination for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17, who have relatively low vaccination rates, as well as unvaccinated adults aged 18 and above, and to administer booster shots to the elderly aged 60 and above."

Director Jeong stated, "We will actively recommend primary vaccinations for children and adolescents, expand booster shot eligibility to the entire population, and set validity periods for quarantine passes. Alongside these measures, we will strengthen public awareness that booster shots are not optional but essential."