Astra vaccine vaccination for the elderly, why is it different for each country?

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Let's talk a little more about the vaccine issue with medical reporter Jo Dong-chan.

[Cho Dong-chan/medical journalist (specialist): Yes, Switzerland, who had withheld the AstraZeneca vaccine at all. Last month, 250,000 Pfizer vaccines came in and started vaccination, and another 500,000 people are coming this month.

Germany and France, which restrict vaccinations over 65 years old, have alternatives to Pfizer and Moderna.

On the other hand, Korea is planning to introduce Modena and NovaVax in the second quarter, but we do not know whether it will arrive in April or June.

The Pfizer vaccine will only come in at the end of this month for only 58,000 people.

However, more than 90% of the 1,486 corona deaths in Korea are over 65 years old.

Vaccines prevent infection, but have a greater effect on lowering fatality.

In order to reduce corona deaths, vaccination for the elderly is important.

The controversy over the AstraZeneca vaccine is that the prevention effect is a little low in the end, but the news is fortunately optimistic.]

[Cho Dong-chan/medical journalist (specialist): AstraZeneca is conducting a clinical trial in which 25% of people over 65 participated. When the Central Clinical Committee of the New Infectious Disease looked into the mid-term situation, it was progressing smoothly. It's informal, but it seems that people over 65 will be as effective as other age groups. The Central Clinical Committee did not hesitate to raise opposition to the government policy, but it was in favor of this vaccination over the age of 65. It is also reported that the World Health Organization will announce a policy next week that the AstraZeneca vaccine can be given by age 65 or older.]

[Cho Dong-chan / Medical reporter (specialist): Pregnant women lack the basis for clinical trials. Nevertheless, the United States actually recommended vaccination and the World Health Organization banned it, but changed its position. In the ban on vaccination for pregnant women, the phrase has been revised to say that pregnant women who are at high risk can consult a doctor for vaccination. This is because last month's study at the University of Washington in the U.S. showed that when pregnant women infected with COVID-19, the fatality rate increased by up to 13 times. It was calculated that when vaccinated, lowering the mortality rate than the risk of side effects is more beneficial. Korea should also refer to and discuss whether to inoculate pregnant women.]

[Anchor: Because corona is more dangerous than side effects, pregnant women should also think carefully again.]

[Dong-chan Cho/medical journalist : Yes, it is.] 

▶ Astra… The elderly judge the doctor