[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Dooyul] Busan City will begin additional COVID-19 vaccinations for the winter season starting October 11 to respond to the resurgence of COVID-19 and emerging variants during winter.
The winter additional vaccination will shift from the previous dose-centered vaccination policy to a time-centered additional vaccination policy, targeting those aged 18 and older who have completed the primary vaccination series and those eligible for the 3rd and 4th additional doses at least four months after their last vaccination date.
Starting October 11, vaccinations will be prioritized for the elderly and other health-vulnerable groups, with the target population gradually expanding to include the general adult population.
On the vaccination start date, October 11, the priority vaccination groups eligible for immediate vaccination include ▲elderly aged 60 and above ▲immunocompromised individuals ▲inpatients, residents, and workers at infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and facilities, mental health promotion facilities, homeless shelters, and facilities for the disabled.
The second priority group, eligible for vaccination between November and December, includes ▲those aged 50 and above ▲people with underlying health conditions ▲healthcare workers ▲military enlistees, and residents of group facilities such as correctional institutions. Adults aged 18 to 49 will be the third priority group, with vaccinations scheduled to be administered sequentially after December.
However, same-day vaccinations using leftover vaccines will be available from October 11 for first priority groups as well as those in the second and third priority groups who have completed at least the primary vaccination series.
Advance reservations can be made starting from the 27th via the website or phone, and same-day vaccinations can be reserved through Naver, Kakao, or medical institution standby lists.
The vaccines used for the winter COVID-19 additional vaccinations will be newly developed mRNA bivalent vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer, designed to respond to emerging variants, with Moderna’s BA.1-based bivalent vaccine being prioritized.
Jo Bong-su, Director of the Citizen Health Bureau of Busan City, stated, “To prepare for the simultaneous spread of COVID-19 and influenza and emerging variants, it is very important for infection-vulnerable facilities and health-vulnerable groups such as the elderly to participate in the winter additional vaccinations.” He added, “We hope for much interest and active participation in vaccinations so that we can welcome a safe spring next year.”
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