President Moon Jae-in has assured the safety of COVID-19 vaccines as the nation launched inoculation programs for the general public starting with senior citizens aged 75 and older. 

On his social media account on Thursday, Moon called on the elderly not to worry and to trust the government and get vaccinated. Although some may doubt the safety of vaccines, he said the public can rest assured.

Noting that getting vaccinated will be helpful for the elderly’s health, the president said it will also encourage their children and help the nation get back to normal. 

He also assured the supply of vaccine is going smoothly as planned. 

Starting Thursday, some three-point-five million people born on or before December 31, 1946 have become eligible to the free inoculation available at 46 vaccination centers throughout the country. 

The government has purchased enough Pfizer vaccines for three-point-five million people, which will be supplied to South Korea by June.