Japan Reviews Allowing AstraZeneca Vaccination for Those Aged 60 and Over

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government is reportedly considering limiting the use of AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccines, which have been associated with side effects such as thrombocytopenic thrombosis, to the age group of 60 and above.

On the 23rd, Kyodo News reported that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is coordinating to recognize AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine as eligible for free vaccination for those aged 60 and older.

The Japanese government granted special approval for AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine last month but decided to exclude it from publicly funded vaccinations for the time being, considering reports of thrombocytopenic thrombosis as a side effect from overseas.

Kyodo News interpreted this as a measure to prepare for unexpected situations, although there are currently no immediate plans to use AstraZeneca's vaccine.

Currently, Japan is using Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19 and is providing AstraZeneca vaccines free of charge to Southeast Asian countries.

The decision on whether to use the AstraZeneca vaccine will be discussed at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's expert subcommittee on the 30th.

Within the expert subcommittee, opinions such as "It has been fairly administered in the UK and its effectiveness has been recognized" and "It should not be excluded as an option" have been reported, indicating a high possibility that its use will be approved, according to Kyodo News.

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