S. Korea on track to create herd immunity after inoculating 20 mln people
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea had inoculated over 20 million people as of Tuesday since starting its nationwide vaccination program in late February, taking a step towards creating herd immunity by September.
A total of slightly more than 20 million people had received their first shots of COVID-19 vaccines as of 10:20 a.m., accounting for around 39 percent of the country's 51.3-million population, since the country started its vaccination program on Feb. 26, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
The country earlier announced a goal to give 36 million people at least one dose of vaccine by the end of September. The figure represents around 70 percent of the country's population.
The country's inoculations topped the 1-million mark on April 5 and breached the 10-million mark on June 10.
The inoculation drive briefly slowed down due to a supply issue, and has sped up since late July as the country began inoculating members of the general population aged 55-59.
Th KDCA said the vaccination drive is on track despite the unrelenting spread of COVID-19, with the authorities aiming to attain the goal before this year's Chuseok holiday period which starts on Sept. 18.
On Tuesday, the country reported 1,202 new COVID-19 cases, staying in the 1,200s for the second day in a row, due to fewer tests.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Ateez to drop new Japanese EP next week
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
Gov't to significantly increase international flights to meet travel demand
-
(2nd LD) BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
-
Crypto investor probed over allegedly visiting house of Terraform's CEO
-
S. Korea to send condolence delegation to UAE over death of president
-
(LEAD) Yoon, PPP lawmakers travel to Gwangju en masse to commemorate 1980 democracy uprising
-
(LEAD) Presidential secretary resigns amid controversy over remarks on homosexuality
-
(3rd LD) N. Korea reports 6 COVID-19 deaths amid 'explosive' spread of fever
-
Gov't to significantly increase international flights to meet travel demand
-
S. Korea to resume issuing short-term travel visas, e-visas next month
-
(LEAD) At least 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
At least 4 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
(2nd LD) 8 injured in S-Oil refinery explosion in Ulsan: firefighters
-
U.S. flies spy plane to East Sea amid concerns about possible N.K. missile launch