[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The European Union (EU) health authorities have expanded the recommended recipients for the 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine about three months after the last update amid the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection.
On the 11th (local time), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) jointly announced in a statement that people aged 60 to 79 are also advised to receive the 4th dose of the vaccine, according to foreign media reports.
This comes about three months after the EU health authorities recommended the 4th dose only for those aged 80 and above in April.
The ECDC and EMA also recommended that medically vulnerable groups receive the 4th dose regardless of age.
Regarding the timing of vaccination, they explained that it is possible at least four months after the 3rd dose, emphasizing that vaccination should be focused on those who have passed more than six months since their 3rd dose.
In response, Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health, stressed, "As we enter summer and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising again, everyone should get vaccinated and receive booster shots as quickly as possible. There is no time to waste."
She added, "I urge each EU member state to immediately start the 4th dose for those aged 60 and above and high-risk groups."
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