The quarantine authorities will provide Covid-19 vaccinations for infants and toddlers from 6 months to 4 years old.

The health authorities said Friday that they would provide Covid-19 vaccination for infants and toddlers because of the continued resurgence in winter and the emergence of new mutations.

According to the epidemiological analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), infants and toddlers have a higher risk of severe conditions or death than children and adolescents aged five or older who are already vaccinated.

The Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine for infants was introduced in Korea on Jan. 12.

“Infants and toddlers generally do not have a higher risk of severe or death from Covid-19 than adults. However, compared to children and adolescents who are already vaccinated, there is a higher risk of severe conditions or death,” the center said. “The period from symptom onset or diagnosis to death is very short. In particular, infants with underlying diseases need to be vaccinated because they have a high risk of severe conditions or death.”