KCDC "Starting Today, Additional Vaccinations Begin for Immunocompromised and Other High-Risk Groups"

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that, according to the 'COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for High-Risk Groups in the First Half of 2023,' pre-registration and same-day vaccinations for high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals will begin on the 15th.

This plan was established targeting immunocompromised individuals and some people aged 65 and older, considering the recent quarantine situation, vaccine effectiveness, and duration of immunity. The vaccination targets are those who have received the bivalent vaccine, including immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and above, and those aged 65 and older who are recommended for vaccination based on medical judgment.

Vaccination is possible 3 months (90 days) after the last vaccination date, with a recommendation to vaccinate after 6 months (180 days). The vaccines used are BA.4/5-based bivalent vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), and for those who do not wish to receive mRNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines such as Novavax and SKYCovione (SK Bioscience) are also utilized.

Pre-registration and same-day vaccinations started on this day, and scheduled vaccinations based on pre-registration will be implemented from the 29th. The recommended vaccination period for the first half of the year is until the 30th of next month. Vaccinations are available at nationwide designated medical institutions and public health centers.

[Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

In addition, the KDCA encouraged those who have not received the additional winter vaccination (those who have not received the bivalent vaccine) to participate as much as possible during the first half of the year. Ji Young-mi, Director of the KDCA, stated, "The primary goal of this vaccination is to prevent severe illness and death among high-risk groups due to COVID-19," and added, "We urge immunocompromised individuals to actively participate in the vaccination."