"Vaccine, the Closest Means to Herd Immunity"
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 7th that the decision to vaccinate adolescents against the novel coronavirus was made "to protect the people in the fight against the virus," in response to growing public distrust regarding the vaccination of youths.
At a press conference held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Since the virus attacks those under 17 without exception, we came to the decision to vaccinate adolescents with the thought that at least one shield must be created."
He added, "There is no conservative or progressive side to the virus," and urged, "I hope people will stop debating and just support this effort."
Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "All countries are likely in similar situations, so why would other countries vaccinate children as young as 5 to 6 years old?" and stressed, "Ultimately, vaccination is undoubtedly the most efficient means to approach herd immunity at present."
He further explained, "I hope parents reconsider the notion that 'even if our children don’t get vaccinated and catch COVID-19, it’s no big deal.'
Regarding calls to restrict full in-person schooling, Prime Minister Kim said, "This generation has lost too much by not attending school," and added, "I have discussed with the Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the realistic approach is to dispel parents’ misunderstandings through various data."
Meanwhile, concerning the National Assembly’s decision to postpone the taxation of virtual assets by one year from next year to 2023 despite government opposition, Prime Minister Kim stated, "There is no way if the law is changed." He added, "Since the National Assembly decided according to the principle of taxation by law, we will prepare to minimize any damage or aftereffects."
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