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KMID : 1142220230180020123
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Regulatory Research on Food, Drug & Cosmetic
2023 Volume.18 No. 2 p.123 ~ p.134
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Vaccination and Social Distancing Policy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea
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Kim Jeong-Ah
Lee Hui-Eon
Kim Ji-Won
Jang Da-Seul
Choi Nam-Kyong
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Abstract
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The COVID-19 outbreak, first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 led to a global pandemic. In the absence of a COVID-19 vaccine, South Korea implemented social distancing policies as a measure to mitigate its spread. Despite various quarantine policies, a sustained increase in cases emphasized the importance of vaccination as an effective tool against the COVID-19 infection and transmission. The first COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea began on February 26, 2021, following the development and production of vaccines in the latter half of 2020. Understanding Korea's approach to COVID-19 response and vaccination is vital for preparing for future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. This review examines the types of COVID-19 vaccines introduced in South Korea, vaccination institutions, vaccination schedules, and social distancing strategies. South Korea introduced a total of six COVID-19 vaccine types, including two viral vector vaccines (AstraZeneca, Janssen), two messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna), and two recombinant protein vaccines (Novavax, SKYCovione). COVID-19 vaccines were administered through vaccination centers, entrusted medical institutions, public health centers, and door-to-door services by qualified personnel. The vaccinations were initiated sequentially, considering the severe progression of COVID-19 infection, the maintenance of medical systems, and the characteristics of COVID-19 transmission. Social distancing policies evolved continuously since the first COVID-19 case in South Korea on January 20, 2020, adapting standards and implementation guidelines through multiple waves of the pandemic. This study contributes foundational information for shaping policies for emerging infectious diseases, establishing priorities, and aiding in the allocation of crucial healthcare resources. Furthermore, it suggests continuous monitoring of vaccine safety and effectiveness, as well as global surveillance of new variant trends, to formulate vaccination strategies and respond to emerging infectious threats.
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KEYWORD
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COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, vaccine, vaccination priority strategy, social distancing, Korea
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