COVID-19 vaccination program in South Korea: A long journey toward a new normal

OBJECTIVES: This article presents an overview of South Korea's COVID-19 vaccination program and describes the key measures the country enacted to overcome the initial vaccine shortage and expand the vaccinated population. METHODS: Review of official government documents, international and local databases, and media reports regarding the COVID-19 vaccination program. RESULTS: South Korea overcame the early phase of vaccine shortage and quickly expanded vaccination coverage by evidence-based priority setting and transparent information sharing using innovative technologies. CONCLUSIONS: It was important to secure effective and safe vaccines as early as possible to fight against COVID-19, yet the delayed start did not equate to failure. Persistent innovation and rapid adaptation to changing circumstances allowed South Korea to expand its vaccination coverage despite the initial delay in procuring vaccine doses. However, the emergence of virus variants and the waning effect of the vaccines require that Korea initiate a new vaccination program that includes booster shots. PUBLIC INTEREST SUMMARY: Vaccination is a safe and effective way to fight against COVID-19. However, acquiring adequate vaccine supply and administering doses safely and effectively are difficult tasks. South Korea accomplished this mission initially using innovative technologies and rapidly adapting to changing circumstances. However, new variants and decreasing vaccine efficacy induce the Korean government to begin another vaccination program that includes booster shots.