36 reported dead after receiving flu shots in S. Korea
- 4 years ago
질병청 "독감백신 접종후 사망자, 오늘 오후 1시 기준 36명"
South Korea's forensic agency has found no links between a teenage boy's death and a seasonal flu shot he had received as nearly a dozen more people have died after being vaccinated today taking the toll to well above 30.
The 17-year-old was among the first reported to have died after getting the flu shot.
The KCDA is holding a meeting with vaccination experts as we speak to review developments as the nation's largest grouping of doctors called for a halt in the natonal vaccination program.
Kim Yeonseung has details.
The number of people reported dead after receiving flu vaccines in South Korea has risen to 36 as of Friday.
Concerns mount with more than 20 fatalities reported since Thursday midnight...prompting health professionals to search for answers.
"So far, experts have confirmed that the link between the vaccine and the deaths is a weak one, but still many are unable to put their minds at ease."
A post-mortem investigation of the deceased 17-year-old from Incheon reveals that the cause of death was unrelated to the flu shot he received two days prior.
Others who have died were mostly in their advancing years or had other underlying health conditions...such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
With no clear link to be found, health authorities continue to advise people to get their flu shots.
"Up to three-thousand people die per year due to influenza. Because the flu can worsen any underlying diseases and lead to death, it's safer to get the shot."
But the increasing number of deaths has created a certain level of distrust in the government's vaccine program.
The Korean Medical Association has asked for a temporary suspension until safety is assured.
The city of Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the Yeongdeungpo-gu District of Seoul have both chosen to halt their vaccine programs for one week.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will reveal on Friday evening... whether to continue with the vaccine program after holding a 'vaccination damage investigation team meeting' and a 'special committee on vaccinations.'
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News
South Korea's forensic agency has found no links between a teenage boy's death and a seasonal flu shot he had received as nearly a dozen more people have died after being vaccinated today taking the toll to well above 30.
The 17-year-old was among the first reported to have died after getting the flu shot.
The KCDA is holding a meeting with vaccination experts as we speak to review developments as the nation's largest grouping of doctors called for a halt in the natonal vaccination program.
Kim Yeonseung has details.
The number of people reported dead after receiving flu vaccines in South Korea has risen to 36 as of Friday.
Concerns mount with more than 20 fatalities reported since Thursday midnight...prompting health professionals to search for answers.
"So far, experts have confirmed that the link between the vaccine and the deaths is a weak one, but still many are unable to put their minds at ease."
A post-mortem investigation of the deceased 17-year-old from Incheon reveals that the cause of death was unrelated to the flu shot he received two days prior.
Others who have died were mostly in their advancing years or had other underlying health conditions...such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
With no clear link to be found, health authorities continue to advise people to get their flu shots.
"Up to three-thousand people die per year due to influenza. Because the flu can worsen any underlying diseases and lead to death, it's safer to get the shot."
But the increasing number of deaths has created a certain level of distrust in the government's vaccine program.
The Korean Medical Association has asked for a temporary suspension until safety is assured.
The city of Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and the Yeongdeungpo-gu District of Seoul have both chosen to halt their vaccine programs for one week.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will reveal on Friday evening... whether to continue with the vaccine program after holding a 'vaccination damage investigation team meeting' and a 'special committee on vaccinations.'
Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News