6.4%P↑ compared too last season’s vaccination rate of 38.8%
Adverse case reporting rate 0.004%… Continuous decline for 3 consecutive years
This year, the number of people over the age of 65 vaccinated against COVID-19 exceeded 4.65 million, an increase of about 860,000 from the previous season.
According to the Korea Disease control and Prevention agency, on the 54th day of vaccination, the cumulative number of people over the age of 65 vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2024-2025 season is 4,654,259, with a vaccination rate of 45.2%, which is 6.4%p higher than the vaccination rate of 38.8% (3,791,462 people vaccinated) in the same period last season. It was announced on the 4th that it was at a high level.
COVID-19 vaccination was converted to once-a-year vaccination in October 2022, and as than, the COVID-19 vaccination rate of seniors over 65 years of age has continued to increase over the past three years.
On the 54th day of vaccination, the vaccination rate for those aged 65 or older increased from 23.9% in the 2022-2023 season to 38.8% in the 2023-2024 season,and to 45.2% in the 2024-2025 season.
This is believed to be because the public’s acceptance of simultaneous vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine has gradually increased every year.
For COVID-19, the antibodies obtained through the vaccine and the severity prevention effect decrease over time, so high-risk groups such as seniors over 65 years of age need vaccination every season.
COVID-19 vaccination will be carried out until April next year, and vaccination is free for high-risk groups such as seniors over 65 years of age.
Simultaneously occurring, the abnormal case reporting rate for the COVID-19 vaccine in the 2024-2025 season was found to be 0.004%, which is about a quarter of the last season’s reporting rate of 0.014%. The reporting rate has been decreasing for three consecutive years,and most of the adverse events that may occur after vaccination are minor,such as headaches and muscle pain,and the reporting rate of serious adverse events is only 0.5 cases per 100,000 vaccinations, or 0.0005%.
Director Ji Young-mi of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, “The COVID-19 vaccine is a vaccine that has been used around the world for the past four years, and is safe and very effective in preventing hospitalization, severe disease, or death due to COVID-19 infection.” he added, “Those over 65 years of age who have not yet been vaccinated.“We ask for the active participation of the elderly, immunocompromised people over 6 months old, and those hospitalized or residents of facilities vulnerable to infection,” he emphasized.
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How does the shift to an annual COVID-19 vaccination schedule impact public perception and participation?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Jane Kim, Epidemiologist
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome,Dr. Kim! It’s great to have you with us today. The latest statistics indicate a significant rise in COVID-19 vaccination rates among seniors this season, reaching 45.2%. What do you think has led to this increase?
Dr. jane Kim (JK): Thank you for having me! The rise in vaccination rates, especially among those over 65, can be attributed to several factors. one major reason is the public’s increasing acceptance of getting vaccinated, particularly when combined with the flu vaccine. As awareness grows about the severe risks COVID-19 poses to seniors, people are more motivated to get vaccinated.
TNE: That’s a great point.Just to elaborate, the vaccination rate has gone up from 38.8% last season to 45.2% this season.How significant is that increase in the context of public health?
JK: A 6.4% increase is quite noteworthy, especially since we’ve witnessed a continuous decline in vaccination rates for three consecutive years leading up to now. It suggests that our public health campaigns are beginning to resonate with the community. Those campaigns are critical to outreach and education, especially targeting high-risk groups like seniors who are more susceptible to severe disease.
TNE: Speaking of outreach, could you explain how the public perception of the COVID-19 vaccine has evolved as it was converted to an annual vaccination?
JK: Absolutely. When the vaccination schedule shifted to a yearly model in October 2022, many individuals expressed initial hesitance. However, with ongoing media coverage of vaccine efficacy and safety, along with real-world data demonstrating the benefits of annual vaccinations, people have become more cozy with the idea. The fact that seniors can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost further enhances participation.
TNE: That’s encouraging. Also, the Korea Disease control and Prevention Agency reported an adverse case reporting rate of just 0.004%.How does this statistic reflect the vaccine’s safety?
JK: A low adverse case reporting rate is indeed a strong indicator of the vaccine’s safety.It reassures the public that the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks. Continuous monitoring and transparent communication about vaccine safety further bolster public trust,which is crucial for maintaining and improving vaccination rates.
TNE: It sounds like there’s a solid foundation for ongoing public health efforts. What do you see as the next steps in ensuring high vaccination rates among seniors?
JK: Moving forward,it’s essential to maintain and expand our educational efforts,particularly addressing any myths or misconceptions about vaccination. Additionally, we should enhance accessibility—making vaccines available in various settings, such as pharmacies and community centers, can definately help reach those who might have difficulty accessing healthcare services.
TNE: Excellent insights,Dr. Kim. Before we wrap up, is there any final message you would like to share with our audience regarding COVID-19 vaccination?
JK: Yes, I would encourage everyone, especially seniors and their caregivers, to take advantage of the free vaccinations available. The COVID-19 virus can still pose significant risks, and staying vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you. Vaccination is a vital tool in managing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring our communities stay healthy.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim,for sharing your expertise with us today. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the ongoing challenges of public health.
JK: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.