Korea’s nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program could face an unexpected setback, with the government saying Tuesday that it would monitor the suspension of AstraZeneca’s vaccine use by some European nations, due to reported side effects, before deciding on what measures it would take.
Earlier last week, the government approved inoculations using the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant’s vaccine for people aged 65 and older, which it had initially suspended, after new overseas studies showed its effectiveness for elderly citizens.
However, 18 out of 27 EU member countries, including Germany, France, Italy and Spain, have suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a precautionary measure following reports that some people receiving the shots developed blood clots.
“If the upcoming European Medicines Agency (EMA) meeting reaches a conclusion that a more preventive approach is needed on the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we could also review implementing inoculation based on such a preventive level,” said Park Young-joon, a director at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
But he added no countries have yet proven any link between the vaccine and blood clotting.
He said suspending inoculations using the AstraZeneca vaccine could be one option following the result of the EMA meeting slated for Thursday, but for now the government is not considering this.
Currently the country’s inoculation program allows use of the vaccine on all adults, including healthcare workers and patients at long-term nursing homes who were among the first to get shots.
President Moon Jae-in is also scheduled to receive an AstraZeneca shot next week in preparation for his participation in a G7 summit to be held in Britain, according to a Cheong Wa Dae announcement, Monday.
The presidential office is yet to announce its stance on any possible change in the inoculation plan for Moon and the first lady.
