Japan Approves Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for Use... Vaccinations to Begin from the 17th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 14th, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officially approved the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, according to reports by Kyodo News and NHK. This marks the first time a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in Japan.

Earlier, Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), the country's drug review organization, compiled a review report recognizing a "special approval" that simplifies the review process, stating there were no particular issues regarding the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine.

Following this, the Ministry of Health expert panel granted special approval on the 12th, and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura made the official approval decision on the same day.

Pfizer signed a contract with the Japanese government to supply 72 million doses of the vaccine and applied for approval in December last year. Subsequently, clinical trial procedures were conducted within Japan to verify the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine.

The Japanese government plans to begin vaccinations from the 17th, focusing primarily on key medical personnel at national hospitals and other facilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.