Low Utilization with Only One Dose Administered Per Day
Possibility of Disposal After Expiration Date
Authorities "Considering Overseas Donation and Other Options"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] As COVID-19 vaccination has stalled, the 492,000 doses of the Janssen vaccine imported into South Korea have become a 'headache.'
According to the quarantine authorities on the 22nd, the number of Janssen vaccine doses administered was 0 on the 17th, 8 on the 18th, 1 on the 19th, 1 on the 20th, and 9 on the 21st, totaling only 19 doses over the past five days. This amounts to less than an average of 4 doses per day. The cumulative number of Janssen vaccinations in South Korea stands at 1,542,823 doses, increasing by only 29,998 doses over about four months since the start of Janssen booster shots in November last year (1,512,825 doses). In comparison, 53,596 people received the Pfizer vaccine in just one day on the 21st.
The reason for the low utilization of the Janssen vaccine is that it is not used in the newly initiated vaccination programs. The Janssen vaccine is designated for those aged 18 and older and cannot be used for the third dose for ages 12-17, which started on the 14th and 31st of last month, or for the primary vaccination for ages 5-11. For the fourth dose targeting seniors aged 60 and above, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and Novartis vaccines are being used.
The demand for the Janssen vaccine is unlikely to increase significantly in the future. While 12.3% of the total population (about 6.35 million people) remain unvaccinated, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses scheduled for introduction this year is 141.9 million. Most of the unvaccinated are minors aged 0-17, who are not eligible for the Janssen vaccine. It is also expected to take time before the fourth dose is expanded to adults under 60 who have completed vaccination.
Gwon Geun-yong, head of the vaccination management team at the COVID-19 Vaccination Response Promotion Team, said, "For those under 60, the decision on the fourth dose should consider the risk of severe illness and death," adding, "Currently, the fourth dose is not being considered for this age group." Even if the fourth dose is expanded, it is uncertain whether the Janssen vaccine will be included. The booster shot for Janssen recipients last November was recommended to be the Moderna vaccine, not Janssen.
The authorities are reviewing other uses such as overseas donation. Team leader Gwon explained, "The Janssen vaccine is currently used in very small numbers for first or additional doses," and added, "Some are being used for current vaccinations, and other uses such as donations are under consideration." The shelf life of the Janssen vaccine after thawing is three months. If the vaccine is not used within this period, it will be discarded. According to the 'COVID-19 Vaccine Disposal Status' secured by Seo Jeong-sook of the People Power Party, a total of 641,368 doses were discarded from January this year until the 22nd of last month.
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