Authorities in South Korea have confirmed that the country will begin giving out fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of February 2022, Reuters news agency reported on Monday.

Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol told a COVID-19 response meeting that high-risk groups will be the first to get the fourth dose, or a second booster shot.

According to transcript of the meeting, Kwon said: "We're planning to provide fourth shots to those who live in nursing homes and care facilities and others with declined immunisation, in light of a recent increase of infections among people aged 60 or older."

Reportedly, at least 44.22 million people, or 86.2 percent of the population of South Korea, are considered fully vaccinated.