Gochang-gun to Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Aged 5-11 Starting the 31st

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The health authorities of Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, have started pre-registration for the primary COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5-11, aiming to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19 in children and adolescents, with vaccinations beginning on the 31st.

According to the county on the 28th, the vaccination targets children born in 2010 who have not yet had their birthday this year up to children born in 2017 who have already had their birthday. The second dose will be administered 8 weeks after the first dose.

Pre-registration can be made through the website or call center, and vaccinations will be given at Gochang Hospital or the public health center using the pediatric Pfizer vaccine. A guardian or legal representative must accompany the child.

Those aged 18 and over who have not received the primary vaccination, those who could not be vaccinated due to medical reasons, or those who could not receive the second or third doses due to adverse reactions after vaccination can receive the Novavax vaccine.

As of midnight on the 24th, the county reported that 50,904 people (95.7%) have completed the primary vaccination.

For the third dose, 42,599 people (80.1%) have completed it, showing a vaccination rate significantly higher than the national average of 86.6% for primary vaccination and 63.3% for the third dose.

By age group, the third dose vaccination rates are 95.7% for those aged 60 and over, 87.7% for those in their 30s, 87.2% for those in their 50s, 81.5% for those in their 40s, and 74.2% for those in their 20s, with the elderly aged 60 and above, who are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 infection, showing high vaccination rates.

Additionally, the third dose vaccination rate among foreign residents in the area was 70.6% as of midnight on the 23rd, higher than the national rate of 58.8%, successfully encouraging vaccinations among undocumented immigrants who are often in blind spots.

The fourth dose vaccination rate for nursing hospitals and nursing facilities is also 65.2%, higher than the national rate of 28.8%, actively encouraging vaccinations to reduce severe cases and mortality among high-risk groups due to COVID-19 infection.

Yoo Byungsoo, director of the Gochang Public Health Center, said, “Despite the spread of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective and important means to protect the health of oneself and family.” He added, “Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups among children, so we ask for active participation in vaccination.”

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr