South Korea Not To Suspend Winter Flu Jabs Despite 13 Deaths Among Vaccinated People

Seoul: South Korea will not suspend winter flu jabs despite 13 vaccinated people dying, after health officials said there was no sign of a link.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency did admit that the number of deaths was more than usual, but hastened to add there was a ‘low possibility’ of the casualties being caused by the shots, Mail Online reported.

At least 11 of the 13 who died — including a 17-year-old boy — were part of a campaign to inoculate 19 million teenagers and senior citizens free of cost.

The Korean Medical Association had suggested to the government they halt the jabs to address public concern and ensure the vaccines were safe.

“I understand and regret that people are concerned about the vaccine,” said Korea’s Health minister Park Neung-hoo said while announcing that the programme will continue. “We’re looking into the causes but will again thoroughly examine the entire process in which various government agencies are involved, from production to distribution.”