The South Korean military plans to oversee the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines purchased from global pharmaceutical companies, and the supervising body will launch as early as next week.

According to a military source on Thursday, the new logistics headquarters, consisting of some 40 military and health personnel, will be commissioned to ensure prompt and secure transportation, and to monitor distribution. The vice chief of staff for the Army will lead the headquarters.

The Defense Ministry said no decision has yet been made regarding the vaccinations or their delivery plan. A ministry official said relevant details will be announced on Sunday.

After agreeing to purchase enough vaccines for 56 million people from four companies and the COVAX Facility, a World Health Organization mechanism designed to guarantee equitable access to vaccines, Seoul expects to begin vaccinations next month.