<b>Objectives</b><br/>Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by persistent measles virus infection. After a significant measles outbreak in 2000–2001, the Republic of Korea implemented a nationwide measles elimination program, which led to a dramatic reduction in measles incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these measles elimination efforts on the incidence of SSPE in the Republic of Korea. <br/><b>Methods</b><br/>This nationwide, population-based retrospective cohort study identified patients newly diagnosed with measles and SSPE between 2007 and 2022, registered in the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) and Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) databases. Population-based incidence rates of measles and SSPE were calculated and compared annually. <br/><b>Results</b><br/>A total of 236 measles cases (HIRA data) and 1,168 measles cases (KDCA data), along with 2,736 SSPE cases, were diagnosed during the study period. Measles incidence significantly declined, reaching zero cases in 2021, while SSPE incidence displayed an upward trend, peaking in 2014. The mean age at SSPE onset was 21.2 years, with a marked male-to-female ratio of 13.0:1. <br/><b>Conclusion</b><br/>SSPE incidence was remarkably low in the post-outbreak period, likely attributable to successful measles control. This study underscores the critical importance of maintaining low measles incidence through sustained vaccination efforts, preventing SSPE and other measles-related complications.

This study aimed to establish a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preparing for and responding to infectious diseases by examining the vaccine injury compensation programs (VICPs) of East Asian countries. We reviewed the current status of VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan by searching national government websites and reviewing relevant literature. Additionally, we conducted email inquiries targeting experts from Japan and Taiwan. Through the comprehensive analysis of VICPs in these 3 countries covered various aspects, we identified several similarities and differences in the VICPs across these countries. While the governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan play a central role in supporting investigations into vaccine injuries and managing compensation procedures based on legal statutes, they differ in terms of financial resources for compensation, the range of vaccines covered, and the criteria for assessing causality. In the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, compensation is typically paid in a lump sum, although the specific benefits available vary by country. This study on VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan provides valuable insights for the further development and management of domestic systems.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Committee (CoVaSC) was established in November 2021 to address the growing need for independent, in-depth scientific evidence on adverse events (AEs) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. This initiative was requested by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and led by the National Academy of Medicine of Korea. In September 2022, the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center was established, strengthening CoVaSC’s initiatives. The center has conducted various studies on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. During CoVaSC’s second research year, from September 29, 2022 to July 19, 2023, the center was restructured into 4 departments: Epidemiological Research, Clinical Research, Communication & Education, and International Cooperation & Policy Research. Its main activities include (1) managing CoVaSC and the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center, (2) surveying domestic and international trends in AE causality investigation, (3) assessing AEs following COVID-19 vaccination, (4) fostering international collaboration and policy research, and (5) organizing regular fora and training sessions for the public and clinicians. Causality assessments have been conducted for 27 diseases, and independent research has been conducted after organizing ad hoc committees comprising both epidemiologists and clinical experts on each AE of interest. The research process included protocol development, data analysis, interpretation of results, and causality assessment. These research outcomes have been shared transparently with the public and healthcare experts through various fora. The COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Research Center plans to continue strengthening and expanding its research activities to provide reliable, high-quality safety information to the public.