COVID-19 Primary Vaccination for Children Aged 5-11 Shortened to One Dose of Bivalent Vaccine

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 19th that, following the introduction of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, the primary vaccination for children will be switched to the bivalent vaccine starting from the 3rd of next month, and the number of doses will be reduced to one.

Pfizer BA.4/5-based bivalent vaccine. [Photo by Pfizer]

The Pfizer BA.4/5-based bivalent vaccine for ages 5 to 11 was introduced domestically on the 5th of this month after receiving emergency use authorization from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Accordingly, children who have not yet received their first or second doses can make advance reservations for the bivalent vaccine starting today, and complete their primary vaccination through same-day vaccination or reservation from July 3rd.

Vaccinations are available at designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide. Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "We have changed the vaccination to a vaccine that is highly effective against the currently circulating variants and reduced the number of doses, so we ask for the active interest and participation of guardians."