Minors aged 12 to 17 and pregnant women who were excluded from COVID-19 vaccinations until now will be able to get their shots.

In a Monday briefing, the country's vaccine task force said a committee of experts made the recommendation during last week's meeting, citing similar moves in other countries and assessments made by the World Health Organization.

According to the committee, pregnant women constitute a high-risk group and there have been no reports of safety concerns. Additionally, efficacy and safety have been verified for the 12 to 17 age group in the U.S. and Japan. 

South Korea's drug safety ministry last month also lowered the age threshold for the Pfizer vaccine from 16 to 12. Experts have also recommended booster shots for teenagers and expected mothers six months after their full inoculation.

The task force said it will reflect the advice from the committee and announce a finalized plan some time next month. Shots for minors and pregnant women are likely to start from the fourth quarter after first vaccinations for the 18 to 49 age group wrap up at the end of September.