South Korean authorities are set to administer COVID-19 vaccines first to priority groups including medical workers and residents of elderly care facilities starting in late February.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA), said Monday that preparations for vaccinations were under way, including compiling lists of priority groups, so that the shots could begin next month.

Explaining how the priority groups were decided, Jeong said vaccinations are first and foremost to maintain the health care system and prevent deaths and deterioration among high-risk patients.

Noting the approval process has begun for the AstraZeneca vaccine, she said the inoculation timetable is being coordinated with the authorization schedule.

More details on the vaccine program will be announced next month including recipients, administering agencies and oversight related to unusual reactions after receiving the shots.