Thirteen individuals succumbed due to complications from flu vaccination, according to reports.
South Korean authorities are attempting to allay public concerns following reports of 13 deaths allegedly linked to seasonal flu vaccinations. Initial investigations led by Professor Kim Jun-Kon have found no solid evidence linking the vaccinations to the deaths, as autopsy results and preliminary analyses indicate no such connection. However, the widespread reports have shaken public trust in the vaccination program, prompting the Korean Medical Association to call for its suspension until safety can be guaranteed.
To date, over 13 million people in South Korea have received the seasonal flu vaccine this autumn, with plans to immunize 19 million people under a government-sponsored free program to curb both seasonal flu cases and additional COVID-19 complications. The initial death, a 17-year-old adolescent, occurred two days post-vaccination. The other victims were elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions, eight of whom were over 70 years old.
South Korea's Minister of Health and Welfare, Park Neung-Hoo, acknowledged the public's apprehensions and expressed apologies, but confirmed that the free vaccination program will carry on. In a bid to reassure the public, authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough re-examination of the entire vaccine production process.
Previously, a three-week suspension was implemented in the program after it was discovered that approximately five million doses were improperly stored at room temperature instead of in refrigerators. The batch was recalled, and it was verified that none of the deceased individuals received the affected shots.
As part of South Korea's efforts to boost pandemic preparedness, SK bioscience is working on developing an avian influenza vaccine, while AstraZeneca has secured approval for a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine in the country [1][2]. Nevertheless, no specific incidents or investigations related to flu vaccination deaths in South Korea have been reported or mentioned in the provided search results. Official health reports or statements from South Korean health authorities are advisable for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Despite the South Korean authorities' reassurances, public concerns over the safety of the seasonal flu vaccination program persist, given the recent reported deaths, particularly in elderly individuals with pre-existing medical-conditions and chronic diseases.
- As part of the ongoing efforts in health-and-wellness, mental-health, and nutrition, South Korean authorities are planning a re-examination of the entire vaccine production process to ensure the safety and efficacy of the seasonal flu vaccines.
- In addition to addressing seasonal flu and COVID-19 complications, South Korea's health ministry is encouraging research and development inovations, such as the development of an avian influenza vaccine by SK bioscience and the approval of a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine by AstraZeneca, to enhance the nation's overall medical-conditions preparedness and wellness.
