South Korea is reviewing AstraZeneca’s request for approval of its coronavirus vaccine.
The drug safety ministry said it aims to approve the vaccine for emergency use in 40 days. The approval would mark the first for the country. South Korea has already signed a deal with AstraZeneca to secure 20 million doses of its vaccine in December, with the first shipment expected as early as January.
The country has also signed deals with three other drugmakers; Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Moderna, in addition to the global COVAX initiative, backed by the World Health Organization. South Korea has secured enough doses to allow for coverage of 56 million people, more than the 52 million residents of the country.
Authorities plan to start vaccination in February, with health workers and vulnerable people in priority.
The drug safety ministry said it aims to approve the vaccine for emergency use in 40 days. The approval would mark the first for the country. South Korea has already signed a deal with AstraZeneca to secure 20 million doses of its vaccine in December, with the first shipment expected as early as January.
The country has also signed deals with three other drugmakers; Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Moderna, in addition to the global COVAX initiative, backed by the World Health Organization. South Korea has secured enough doses to allow for coverage of 56 million people, more than the 52 million residents of the country.
Authorities plan to start vaccination in February, with health workers and vulnerable people in priority.
