The World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group recommended that the Corona 19 vaccine developed by the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Oxford University in the UK can be used by people over 65 years of age on the 10th local time.
The Expert Strategic Advisory Group (SAGE), the WHO's Immunization Advisory Group, said in its interim recommendation that "considering the totality of available evidence, WHO recommends the use of the vaccine to people over the age of 65."
SAGE Chairman Alejandro Kravioto admitted the lack of vaccine efficacy data for seniors aged 65 and older during a video press briefing that day, but said, "We believe that this group's (vaccination) response cannot be different from that of the lower age group." Explained.
He said it recommends that AstraZeneca vaccine be used by adults over the age of 18 and without age restrictions.
In addition, SAGE recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine can also be used where the COVID-19 mutant virus is outbreak.
SAGE also recommended a dose interval of 8-12 weeks for AstraZeneca vaccine, which must be given twice.
AstraZeneca suggests an inoculation interval of 4 to 12 weeks, but SAGE says, "At longer intervals, an increase in efficacy and immunity was observed."
The recommendation comes amid controversy whether AstraZeneca vaccine is appropriate for use in the elderly and in areas with the mutant virus.
In Germany, France, Austria and Sweden, the vaccination age is under 65, Finland is under 70, Poland is under 60, and Belgium is under 55.
Korea has licensed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to adults over the age of 18, including those over 65.
However, with the SAGE's recommendation, the plan of the COVAX facility, an international project for joint purchase and distribution of the Corona 19 vaccine led by WHO and others, has gained momentum.
AstraZeneca is KOVAX's primary vaccine supplier, and KOVAX plans to deliver 336 million doses of this vaccine to member countries during the first half of this year.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea)