(Photo: Yonhap)

[Anchor]

The South Korean government says it will allow mixing of coronavirus vaccines starting in July, but only for certain groups.

The updated guidance announced Thursday as part of the vaccination plan for the third quarter, is likely aimed at keeping inoculations on track to reach herd immunity by November.

Ron Chang reports.

[Reporter]

KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong said the decision to allow people to get a combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses was made in part to cover a delay in deliveries through the global COVAX scheme.

Around 835,000 AZ doses set to arrive in the country were pushed back to after July.

But the announcement comes amid growing safety concerns over the AstraZeneca shot after a man in his early 30s died on Wednesday from a rare type of blood clot possibly linked to the vaccine.

Authorities said they are continuing to closely monitor vaccination side effects and will make adjustments for certain age groups, if needed.

More than 760,000 people scheduled to get their second shot after July 5 can get the Pfizer vaccine if they choose.

By late next month, those in their 50s will also be eligible for vaccination followed by people aged 18 to 49 from mid-August.

But it's unclear which vaccine they will get.