Japan's COVID-19 Vaccinations Reach 1 Million Doses After 43 Days, But Coverage Remains Below 1%

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Japan has surpassed 1 million. Considering that vaccinations began in February and this is the result over 43 days, there has been criticism that the progress is slow. The vaccination rate compared to the total population is less than 1%.

On the 1st, Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported, citing data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, that as of the 31st of last month, the total number of vaccine doses administered in Japan was 1,000,739. Among them, about 125,000 people have completed their second dose.

In Japan, vaccinations began on February 17, and since mid-March, approximately 50,000 to 70,000 doses have been administered daily. Vaccinations targeting 4.8 million healthcare workers, who are the priority group, are expected to be completed by the end of May.

Starting from the 12th, vaccinations for elderly people aged 65 and over will also begin. However, due to limited vaccine supply, it is expected to take more time before vaccinations for the general public can proceed in earnest. Taro Kono, Minister in charge of Administrative Reform who oversees vaccination operations, said in an internet broadcast yesterday, "By May and June, 10 million doses of vaccines are expected to arrive weekly, so we will be able to accelerate the pace."

Nihon Keizai Shimbun pointed out that the vaccination rate still does not reach 1% of Japan’s population. It is considered insufficient to curb the spread of COVID-19, which is showing signs of a fourth wave. Nihon Keizai Shimbun criticized, "The United States is vaccinating nearly 3 million people per day," adding, "The difference is only in the spread."

Mainichi Shimbun also criticized, stating that Japan’s vaccination rate for at least one dose is significantly behind major countries and regions such as Israel (60%), the United Kingdom (40%), the United States (30%), and the European Union (10%).

There are also criticisms that the system for vaccination has not been properly established. According to a survey on local government preparedness announced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on the 24th of last month, 4 out of 10 local governments responded that they lack sufficient doctors.

Japan is showing signs of a fourth wave recently. The number of new COVID-19 cases yesterday was 2,843, marking the second consecutive day with cases in the 2,000s.

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