The soon-to-be-launched “youth (teenager) vaccine pass” is facing strong disapproval, causing the government to delay its implementation. Critics point out that the government is facing growing confusion as the announcement of the mediation plan, which includes the timing and scope of the vaccine pass, is being postponed. Amid the possibility of a minimum one-month postponement of the youth vaccine pass, the government is repeating its previous statement that the issue “is being discussed.” 

Earlier, the government had announced that it would apply the youth vaccine pass to academies (“hagwons”) and study cafes from February 1, 2022. However, after strong opposition, it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Central Disaster Management Headquarters, the KDCA, and the Korea Academy Federation, among other organizations, to come up with an improved plan. 

At a regular briefing on December 27, an official from the Ministry of Education said, "We are discussing with related organizations about the introduction of a youth vaccine pass for academies (“hagwons”), among others. The improved mediation plan could be announced at either the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022.”

Adjusting the plan is difficult because some parent organizations are fiercely protesting the youth vaccine pass. They are even filing administrative lawsuits against the head of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minister of Health and Welfare. 

However, it is not only parents who are objecting to the vaccine pass. A student attending a Korean middle school revealed that some students at the school, including herself, are perplexed by the new policy. She said, “My friends and I aren’t vaccinated. I’m worried about how I will do my extra studies if the youth vaccine pass starts on February 1.” She added that “the vaccine pass doesn’t really make sense when students never take off their masks at their academies.”

If the youth vaccine pass is to be introduced on February 1 as scheduled, non-vaccinated youth (aged 12-18) will have to receive their first dose by December 27, considering that the second dose is given three weeks after the first and that the youth vaccine pass will not be granted until 14 days after the second dose. 

However, due to the possibility of a delay, some students are not receiving their vaccinations. As of 12:00 am on December 27, the first dose rate for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 was 69.4%. The vaccination rate decreased with age, with only a 43% first dose rate and 19.3% second dose rate among those aged 12. 

Yunjin Huh

Grade 9

Chadwick International School