Influenza vaccine exposure to room temperature has led to a so-called'vaccine crisis'.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government has significantly increased the number of free flu vaccinations for the elderly, adolescents, and children, but a problem occurred during the delivery of free vaccinations for youth.

As more and more people say, "I will give my money and get a safe vaccine," it is said that paid vaccines are scarce in local hospitals.



The government collects and handles 480,000 flu vaccines that have been a problem in the distribution process, and resumes the free flu vaccine business from the day after tomorrow (13th) with a reserve amount held by the government.

We will find out in [Pick Q&A] based on the briefing of health authorities whether it is still uneasy to get the free vaccine.




Q. Why does the free vaccination start again the day after tomorrow?



A. The health authorities initially planned to resume vaccination from tomorrow, but in consideration of the collection and supply of the vaccine and preparations for resumption of medical institutions, it has been finally decided that vaccination will begin the day after tomorrow.



And, middle and high school students aged 13 to 18 decided to start the vaccination before the elderly.

As school attendance begins, there is a concern about the flu pandemic due to group life, and this is to ensure that students can gain immunity before the SAT exam scheduled for December 3rd.



Q. What vaccines are collected and resupplied?



A. The health authorities plan to prophylactically collect all vaccines that meet the four conditions that may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine, such as when the temperature drops below zero during delivery, and mix it with other vaccines to prevent vaccination.

We plan to supply 480,000 vaccines for collection and an additional supply of 340,000 people, which the government has in reserve.




Q. I'm still uneasy about the free vaccine, but there are more. Can I get the vaccine?



A. It takes about two weeks to get the flu vaccine and to form antibodies.

Antibodies are said to last about 6 months on average.

In the case of last year, a flu advisory was issued around November 15, and this year, the corona 19 epidemic is a situation where we need to be more careful.

So, experts advise that getting the flu vaccine by the beginning of November at the latest is good for the winter season.




Q. What is the target and schedule for free vaccinations to be resumed?



A. Free vaccinations for children 12 years of age and younger and pregnant women started again on the 25th of last month.

Free vaccinations were stopped last month due to an accident at room temperature, for children and adolescents aged 13 to 18 and seniors aged 62 or older.



First, from the 13th, the free flu vaccine for middle and high school students aged 13-18 starts.

Subsequently, from the 19th to 70 years of age or older, from the 26th to 62 to 69 years old can get the vaccine.



Free vaccination is available at public health centers and designated medical institutions nationwide.

Designated medical institutions can be found on the vaccination assistant website (http://nip.cdc.go.kr) and the vaccination assistant smartphone app.



Q. Looking at the government schedule, the vaccination date for parents is around the end of October, is it too late?



A. It is true that vaccination has been delayed by about three weeks since the national vaccination business was stopped on the 22nd of last month.

The health authorities are planning to pay more attention to the quality control of vaccines so that there is no additional disruption to vaccination due to the so-called'twin demic' concern that the corona 19 and flu are simultaneously pandemic as the fall and winter enters.



However, there are opinions that even if they are eligible for free vaccination, it is better for the elderly to rush to vaccination.

Some doctors advise that "if you have an underlying medical condition or an elderly person, the free vaccination is already a little late, so it may be better to get the vaccination early with a paid vaccination."



This is'News Pick'.



(Photo = Yonhap News)