Health authorities say that COVID-19 booster shots will be administered to high-risk groups from as early as the fourth quarter of this year.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA), said Thursday that the government is working with experts to devise a timetable. Plans will be announced once they are finalized. 

Regarding whether there are enough vaccines, Jeong said 190 million doses were secured for this year and assured that this is sufficient to fully vaccinate all South Koreans and give boosters to those that need them.

Jeong noted that funds are being earmarked for an additional 90 million doses to prepare for extra shots or virus variants next year. In line with this, 30 million Pfizer doses have been secured, with the KDCA director saying that talks with other vaccine makers are ongoing.

Infectious disease expert Prof. Choi Won-suk at Korea University Ansan Hospital said countries are planning or already executing booster shots for people with weak immune systems six months after full inoculation.

Choi said senior residents at long-term care facilities and healthcare workers will likely be the first to get boosters.