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Faced with the increase in the number of measles patients, clinics suffer from a shortage of MMR vaccines (measles, mumps and rubella). The health authorities have announced that they are making every effort to ensure a regular supply of vaccines by shortening the time required for obtaining authorization from the State and by advancing the bets on the vaccine. market.
The Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 40 patients had contracted measles from December to January in many parts of the country, including Daegu and Gyeongsan in North Gyeongsang Province, Ansan Province, China. Gyeonggi, Incheon and Seoul.
Most of the patients were infants who did not complete the vaccinations or people aged 20 to 30 years old who grew up at a time when the two-dose policy had been adopted. Their antibodies have not formed enough, experts said.
The authorities recommend that infants and young children living in an area where measles outbreaks advance the vaccination schedule earlier than planned. Adults planning to travel abroad must complete the vaccination twice four to six weeks before leaving the country.
While more and more people are trying to receive MMR vaccines late, the clinics of internal medicine and family medicine are reporting a shortage of MMR vaccines.
An official in the KCDC's Immunization Management Division said the demand for MMR vaccines has increased since Jan. 21.
"Last year, about 100,000 doses of MMR vaccines were published per month. Last month, however, 250,000 to 270,000 doses were distributed, "said the official. "While measles cases persisted, not only unvaccinated young children, but also tutors, health care professionals and overseas travelers sought immunization in internal medicine clinics and clinics. family medicine where MMR vaccines were rarely treated. "
The manager also explained that the pediatric departments had not suffered a shortage of MMR vaccines because they regularly provided MMR vaccines.
The KCDC also released 290,000 doses of MMR vaccine on February 7, the official said. "We are working closely with vaccine distributors such as SK Chemical and Kwangdong Pharmaceutical to ensure the supply of vaccines. Next week, these vaccines will reach most medical institutions, "he added.
GSK Korea, which imports MMR vaccines, said its offer was also expanded to meet local demand.
"We received three to four times more supply requests than normal days. We have exhausted all the MMR vaccines authorized by the state. In addition, other headquarters products are being reviewed by the government, "said a GSK official. "We plan to release additional products by mid-February. Our society is doing its best to prevent a new spread of measles. "
The official added that GSK Korea had sought the cooperation of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to allow a faster review of the priority of MMR vaccines, in anticipation of Lunar New Year holidays, during which many Koreans migrate. to visit extended families.
Last year, GSK Korea and MSD Korea imported and provided Korea with 1.08 million doses of MMR vaccines.
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