Two types of COVID-19 vaccine became available for use in Korea at the end of February 2021. One vaccine is produced by AstraZeneca and the other is produced by Pfizer.

According to the result of clinical trials in England and Brazil performed by Oxford University, the protective effect of the AstraZeneca vaccine was 70.4%. About a million doses of the Pfizer vaccine were also introduced into Korea from March. The government gave an official update on the status of inoculations of the Pfizer vaccine.

Both vaccines require two doses to achieve maximum protection. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the interval between inoculations is 8~12 weeks for the AstraZeneca vaccine and 3 weeks for the Pfizer vaccine.

These vaccines appear to not only lessen the risk of developing COVID-19, but also lessen the risk of severe disease. However, there is a possibility of some side effects, which are normal symptoms because the body is building protection.

One of the common side effects is pain, redness or swelling on the arm where inoculation was given. Tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever or nausea have also been reported as potential side effects. Some people may have no side effects and the side effects should go away in a few days.

People taking over-the-counter medication are advised to talk to a doctor before receiving the vaccine. Over-the-counter pain relief medications can be taken to relieve post-vaccination side effects. However, it is not recommended to take these medicines before vaccination in an effort to prevent side effects.

According to the result of the public opinion poll presented by the Korea Society Opinion Institute, 45.8% of respondents said, “I will ve inoculated when it is my turn” and 45.7% answered, “I will put off the inoculation and observe the situation.”

One of the students at Daegu University said, “I am afraid of the vaccine because of the pain after the vaccination. However, if it is my turn, I will be likely to be inoculated because it is helpful to be vaccinated as soon as possible for the nation.”

In my opinion as a reporter, I am also afraid of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, when my turn is coming, I will be vaccinated because I think it is the most important thing to do in the current situation.

L.L.F editor-in-chief, You-Jin Kim