COVID-19 Transforms into a Persistent Threat: Korea Prepares for Ongoing Cycles with Pfizer’s Comirnaty
As COVID-19 resurges in neighboring countries, health officials in South Korea are bracing for continued cycles of infection, signaling a shift towards treating the virus as an endemic, “resident virus.” Despite reduced public awareness following the pandemic’s peak, the virus continues to evolve and impact public health, prompting renewed focus on preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Rising Infection Rates Across Asia
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates elevated positivity rates in several Asian nations. As of late last month, Vietnam reported a 40.0% positivity rate, followed by Singapore at 19.9% and Cambodia at 12.0%. In Korea, the detection rate of the COVID-19 pathogen has fluctuated between 7.7% and 9.9% over the past seven weeks.
In response, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) is urging high-risk groups to proactively seek early vaccination in anticipation of potential summer surges. While the seasonal pattern of COVID-19 isn’t as predictable as influenza, experts believe transmission is likely to increase during both summer and winter months.
COVID-19: A “Resident Virus”
The KCDC characterizes COVID-19 as a “resident virus,” meaning it will likely circulate annually, similar to influenza, with ongoing development of new variants. This assessment is supported by surveillance data showing a significant increase in cases compared to previous years. In 2023, the number of COVID-19 patients was approximately 12 times higher than the number of flu patients, a threefold increase from the previous year.
The hospitalization and mortality rates associated with COVID-19 remain comparable to, or higher than, those of influenza, with the elderly and individuals with underlying health conditions facing the greatest risk. Analysis from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that in 2022-2023, individuals aged 18-29 were up to 58 times more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This risk escalated with age, reaching approximately 39 times higher for those aged 65-74, 58 times for those 75-84, and peaking at 58 times for those 85 and older.
Furthermore, data from approximately 540,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed that having a single underlying disease increased the risk of death by 53% and the risk of intensive care unit hospitalization by 32%. The simultaneous circulation of other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), poses an additional threat, potentially leading to more severe illness and increased mortality.
Comirnaty: Proven Protection Against COVID-19
Vaccination remains a critical tool in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Pfizer and BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine (ingredient name Nameran) has demonstrated both safety and efficacy through extensive clinical trials and real-world evidence (RWE). It initially received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2020, followed by full approval (BLA) in August 2021. Korea approved Comirnaty on March 5, 2021.
Safety profiles have been consistently confirmed through clinical research and ongoing medical monitoring. According to KCDC data spanning 225 weeks from February 2021 to June 20, 2024, the overall vaccination response rate for COVID-19 was 3.32 cases per 1,000 individuals. Specific Comirnaty variants showed varying response rates: 3.04 cases per 1,000 for the original vaccine, 0.04 for the JN.1 variant, 0.35 for the BA.1 2-ga vaccine, and 0.37 for the BA.4/5 2-ga vaccine.
Clinical trials involving approximately 44,000 participants worldwide demonstrated a 94.6% preventative effect across all participants, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection. Observational studies conducted in May 2021, in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Health, confirmed a 97.0% infection prevention rate and a 91.5% rate for preventing asymptomatic infections with Comirnaty.
Future Vaccination Strategies
Korea’s free, universal COVID-19 vaccination program concluded in October of last year, transitioning to an annual vaccination approach similar to that of influenza. Recognizing the ongoing potential of COVID-19 and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, free vaccinations are now available for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as high-risk groups, through the 2024-2025 season.
The government is currently evaluating the feasibility of introducing a National Immunization Program (NIP) for COVID-19 to establish a sustainable vaccination strategy for the 2025-2026 period. This research service aims to ensure a stable and effective implementation plan for future COVID-19 vaccinations.
