South Korea extends deadline for COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation appeals

South Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is reminding the public that a special appeal period for COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation is closing soon. Individuals whose claims were previously denied before a new special law took effect last October now have a final chance to seek compensation.

The special law, enacted to provide support for those who suffered life or health damage after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations between February 2021 and June 2024, came into effect on October 23 last year. Under this law, those who received a compensation decision before its enactment can file a special appeal within one year of the law's effective date, which is October 23.

Those who received decisions after the special law's implementation have 90 days from the notification of the compensation review outcome to appeal. However, individuals who had their claims decided under the previous infectious disease law and have already obtained a final court ruling confirming that decision are excluded from this special appeal process. To file an appeal, applicants must submit the necessary documents to their local public health center.