President Moon Jae-in has pressed senior government officials to continue their efforts to secure more COVID-19 vaccines for next year given a possible rise in demand. 

Moon gave the instructions during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where he was briefed on next year’s budget plan, including that of purchases of COVID-19 vaccine. 

He said even if the supply of secured vaccines appears sufficient for next year, officials should take into account possible emergencies that would require more vaccines, for example,  allowing teens and younger age groups to receive their doses, as well as allocations of booster shots. 

The president also urged officials to thoroughly plan ahead on the timing of bringing in vaccines, saying a delay may impede the inoculation process even if sufficient shots have been secured. 

Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol reported to Moon that the government is moving to secure 40 million additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine for next year, according to deputy presidential spokesperson Lim Se-eun.  

This brings the total amount of vaccine expected to be secured for next year to 170 million shots.