COVID-19 4th Vaccine Dose: Should You Get It Now or Wait for the Updated Vaccine?

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On the 25th, when the 4th COVID-19 booster vaccination for those aged 60 and over who made advance reservations began, a citizen is receiving the vaccine at Bumin Hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. April 25, 2022 Photo by Joint Press Corps (Portrait rights consent obtained)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Amid expectations of another COVID-19 resurgence between this fall and early winter, an updated vaccine effective against the Omicron variant is expected to be introduced as early as next month. Although health authorities are reviewing vaccine approval and vaccination plans, experts recommend that people aged 50 and above with underlying conditions, as well as those aged 60 and older, complete their fourth dose with the existing vaccine.

According to health authorities on the 26th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will announce the vaccination plan for the updated vaccine on the 31st. The first updated vaccine to be introduced is a bivalent vaccine that prevents the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron (BA.1) variant. Currently, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is conducting a preliminary review of the BA.1 variant vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, and approval is expected as early as the first half of next month.

Previously, the government recommended the fourth vaccine dose for people aged 60 and above, followed by those aged 50 and above with underlying conditions. As of this date, the fourth dose vaccination rate is 47.0% among those aged 60 and older, and 15.7% among those in their 50s.

Yesterday, the number of new COVID-19 cases was 113,371, showing a decrease of 65,000 compared to a week ago, indicating a downward trend. However, the number of deaths reached 108, surpassing 100 for the first time in 118 days. Among the deaths on that day, 105 (97.2%) were aged 50 and above, and among the 566 critically ill patients, 539 (95.2%) were aged 50 and above. Even though the total number of confirmed cases is decreasing, the high proportion of severe cases and deaths among those aged 50 and older makes vaccination even more important.

Health authorities strengthened vaccination criteria for previously confirmed cases in mid-month. Previously, those with a history of COVID-19 infection were recommended to receive up to the second dose, with the third and fourth doses available upon request. However, since the 18th, even those with a history of infection are advised to receive up to the third dose at least three months after confirmation.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Promotion Team explained that the risk of reinfection and death after infection decreases as the number of vaccine doses increases.

In a briefing on the 25th, it was emphasized that "immunocompromised individuals, such as those with blood cancers or taking immunosuppressants, who have difficulty or insufficient immune formation, are a group requiring special protection against COVID-19," highlighting the importance of the fourth dose and preventive antibody injections for immunocompromised people. Currently, among 1,400,182 immunocompromised individuals in Korea, 525,086 have completed the fourth dose, with a vaccination rate of only 37.5%. Regarding preventive antibody treatments, 1,723 people made reservations since the 18th of last month, and 604 have received treatment since the 8th.

According to the Promotion Team, an analysis targeting immunocompromised individuals and members of nursing hospitals and facilities in Korea showed that compared to the third dose group, the fourth dose group had a 20.3% higher infection prevention effect, a 50.6% higher severe disease prevention effect, and a 53.3% higher death prevention effect. In clinical trials, Evusheld administration showed a 93% reduction in infection and a 50% reduction in severe disease and death, and its effectiveness was maintained against Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

Experts advise that rather than waiting for the updated vaccine ahead of the fall and winter when the COVID-19 virus is most active, it is better to quickly complete the fourth dose with the proven old vaccine.

Jung Ki-seok, Chair of the National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Advisory Committee, explained, "If you get vaccinated now, you can have immunity through this winter. Although many people are waiting for the updated vaccine, the safety of the old vaccine has been extensively verified."

Lim Eum-gi, Head of the Vaccination Management Division at the Promotion Team, said, "(Regarding additional vaccinations for those aged 60 and above) discussions with experts have not yet been finalized," adding, "We will consider all relevant factors regarding the updated vaccine and provide guidance next week."