Wando-gun Encourages Additional Winter COVID-19 Vaccinations in Preparation for Resurgence

Intensive Winter Additional Vaccination Period from November 21 to December 18
Operation of Mobile Vaccination Teams Visiting Island Areas

Wando County designates and operates a focused period for additional COVID-19 vaccinations during the winter season in preparation for the resurgence of the virus. (Photo by Wando County)

[Wando=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Jeonnam Wando-gun announced that it will designate and operate a "Winter Additional Vaccination Focus Period" for four weeks from November 21 to December 18 to prepare for the resurgence of COVID-19.

Immunity against COVID-19 has been shown to decrease 3 to 4 months after vaccination as the vaccine's effectiveness wanes.

The main reason for the decrease in vaccine effectiveness is the emergence of Omicron, which is different from previous coronaviruses, and its subvariants, causing the immunity acquired from previous vaccinations to gradually decline, necessitating an additional booster with the newly designed bivalent vaccine.

The bivalent vaccine is a customized vaccine specialized for the currently prevalent BA.1 and BA.4/5 Omicron variants, and it is also an improved vaccine effective against Omicron subvariants such as BQ.1.1, which could become the dominant strain.

Vaccinations are available on the same day at 20 designated medical institutions in the area, as well as at the public health center and 13 health branch offices in towns and townships, with expanded vaccine supply to enhance convenience for those wishing to be vaccinated. Reservations are also possible.

The county operates a "visiting vaccination team" using administrative vessels to reach island areas such as Cheongsan, Yeoseo, Modo, and Chungdo to increase vaccination rates, encouraging additional winter vaccinations for vulnerable groups such as the elderly aged 60 and above.

A Wando Public Health Center official stated, "The additional winter bivalent vaccine booster is essential not only for infection prevention but also for preventing severe illness and death," and urged, "Vulnerable groups should actively participate in the winter vaccination campaign."

Wando=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil alwatros@asiae.co.kr