Drugmaker Pfizer Inc has filed an application seeking approval of its coronavirus vaccines to be used in South Korea as the country gears up to begin inoculations next month, authorities said.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it aims to reach a decision within 40 days after cutting its previous deliberation period of up to 180 days to fast-track the approval and speed up the vaccination process.

“Pfizer submitted the request today for its vaccines produced in Belgium,” the ministry said in a statement, according to Reuters.

“We will thoroughly review their safety and effectiveness in cooperation with professional examiners and outside experts so that our people can access safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines.”

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