The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has urged high-risk groups to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as a precaution against the potential spread of the virus during the summer season, following an increase in COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore.
The KDCA is extending the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for high-risk groups until June 30, 2024, to prevent severe cases and deaths.
According to recent domestic and international research, the currently used JN.1 vaccine has been confirmed to still be effective (neutralizing antibody formation) against LP.8.1, XEC, NB.1.8.1, and other strains circulating in South Korea.
Although the COVID-19 situation in Korea is relatively stable, considering the increase in COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries and the time required for immunity to fully develop after vaccination (approximately four weeks), it is necessary for high-risk groups who have not yet been vaccinated to complete vaccination as soon as possible.
In particular, high-risk groups planning to travel to neighboring countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore, where COVID-19 cases are on the rise, are strongly advised to get vaccinated before departure.
However, as the demand for COVID-19 vaccines, which was concentrated in the winter, has decreased, vaccinations are currently only available at some medical institutions. Therefore, we urge you to check the Vaccination Assistance website in advance to confirm the vaccination medical institution and availability before visiting.
Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Ji Young-mi emphasized, “With COVID-19 cases increasing in neighboring countries, we cannot rule out the possibility of an outbreak in Korea this summer,” adding, “We strongly urge those who are at high risk of COVID-19, such as seniors aged 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, and residents of infection-prone facilities, to get vaccinated now.”
[News source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]
