Vaccination priorities

A week ago, my wife and I got our first doses of the vaccine against COVID-19. Being classified in a high-risk age group compared to others, we were given early chances. Though somewhat concerned about negative side effects, we applied online for the shots and went to the neighboring clinic on a set date. After a basic health check, including body temperature measurement, we were given information and consent documents to complete and submit.

Then we were administered the AstraZeneca vaccine with an explanation from the doctor. About 15 minutes later, we left the clinic and returned home.

In the days that followed, I felt nothing but a little fatigue. My wife had a slight fever and headache, so she took the prescribed antipyretics. Okay, our primary inoculation process seems to have been stably finalized as of now. If we get the second dose in late August, we will be totally protected against COVID-19.

On the other hand, however, I felt a bit sorry for those who have not started getting vaccinated yet, especially for young people. The Korea Times published a notable article in its national news section the other day. Its title was “People in early 20s seeking CSAT to get vaccine.” As a retired high school principal, I am still well aware of the CSAT and its related issues and so I read the article at once.

The article said that some of those in their early 20s are considering to take the CSAT in November to earn priority for a COVID-19 vaccine. Most of them are college students now, and therefore, they had already taken CSAT at least a year or more before. They are planning to reapply for the state-run college entrance exam because the government will give COVID-19 vaccines first to test-takers to prevent the infection from spreading among them when the exams are held. I can assure you that these candidates will not show up in the examination rooms that day. The examination fee is 50,000 won.

As they are under the age of 30, test-takers will receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is allowed for this age group. If they get the first shot of the two-dose vaccine during the summer vacation, they will develop immunity before the November CSAT. How glad they would be when they are returned the freedom to act and behave as they used to! Besides, isn’t the Pfizer vaccine said to be relatively low-risk?

Can you still blame them without hesitation when you hear that one man in his 30s died from blood clotting after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccination, although it is a case within the range of natural statistical probability? According to the government’s official announcement, COVID-19 vaccinations for the general public other than prioritized groups will be expanded to the 18 to 59 years old age group in the third quarter.

I think it is unwise to simply discuss the national rate of COVID-19 vaccinations at present. The really important thing is the reliable control of the vaccination situation.