Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has ordered the government to make thorough preparations for COVID-19 vaccinations, which could begin as early as next month.

The prime minister issued the order on Monday while presiding over a government meeting on COVID-19 responses in Seoul. 

Chung said that the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) must make thorough preparations for proper transport, storage, vaccinations and follow-up management.

He also ordered the ministries of health, interior, land and transport to actively cooperate with the KDCA.

The prime minister mentioned media reports that the United States and some European nations began inoculation about three weeks ago, but vaccinations were proceeding slowly due to insufficient preparation. 

He stressed that the government should make sure that such delays will not happen in South Korea.