4.04 Million Doses of Vaccine for COVID-19 Vaccination Introduced Domestically

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 18th that an initial batch of 4.04 million doses of the Pfizer XBB.1.5 variant-targeted vaccine for the 2023?2024 COVID-19 vaccination season will arrive at Incheon International Airport in the afternoon of the 18th.

The Pfizer vaccine was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the 31st of last month and received emergency use authorization in South Korea on the 12th of this month. Including the shipment arriving on this day, a total of 10 million doses will be introduced sequentially.

Moderna's XBB.1.5 variant-targeted vaccine is also planned to be used for this vaccination season. After receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the 11th, Moderna applied for emergency use authorization in South Korea on the 12th and is currently awaiting approval. Approximately 5 million doses will be introduced sequentially starting in October.

The KDCA will announce the COVID-19 vaccination plan utilizing these vaccines next week.