The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 5th that it has secured a total of 7.55 million doses of the vaccine for use in COVID-19 vaccinations during the 2024-2025 season to fight against the new JN.1 variant.
The vaccines secured by the KDCA this time include 7.23 million doses of mRNA vaccines and 320,000 doses of synthetic antigen vaccines. These vaccines are earmarked for high-risk groups, particularly individuals aged 65 and older.
Based on the confirmed April 2024 COVID-19 vaccine supply plan, the government has been negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to ensure the timely introduction of the vaccines. As a result, contracts have been secured for 5.23 million doses of Pfizer, 2 million doses of Moderna, and 320,000 doses of Novavax.
The vaccines introduced this time are the new JN.1 vaccine developed to respond to epidemic variants, following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 vaccine experts advisory committee, and vaccination expert committee deliberations.
The KDCA plans to procure the vaccines for administration in October, in line with the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination promotion plan.
Jee Young Mee, Commissioner of KDCA, stated, “We will continue to make persistent efforts with pharmaceutical companies and relevant ministries to ensure timely administration of COVID-19 vaccinations for high-risk groups during the 2024-2025 season.”
