Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article stated November as the start time for vaccines in North Korea. The text has been updated to reflect a more precise translation of the original Korean suggesting inoculation will begin at an unspecified time in fall 2022.

North Korea will begin distributing COVID-19 vaccines officially for the first time starting this fall amid concerns of decreasing immunity levels, the country’s leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech Thursday.

“Along with responsibly administering vaccines, I must recommend wearing masks for the protection of the health of all citizens as we enter November,”