Japan Approves Use of AZ COVID-19 Vaccine for Public Vaccination Program

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Japanese media including NHK reported on the 30th that the Japanese government has decided to use AstraZeneca (AZ)'s COVID-19 vaccine in the public vaccination program.

According to the reports, the plan to use the AstraZeneca vaccine in the government-funded public vaccination program under the condition that it will not be administered to those under 40 years old was approved at a meeting of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare held that day.

The Japanese government approved the AstraZeneca vaccine in May this year but initially excluded it from the government-funded public vaccination program due to rare reports of thrombocytopenic thrombosis as a side effect abroad. However, it has now decided to allow its use.

Originally, the Japanese government considered using the AstraZeneca vaccine mainly for those aged 60 and above, but recently lowered the age limit considering that COVID-19 patients in their 40s and 50s, who have a low vaccination rate, are at higher risk of severe illness.

The Japanese government also recognizes the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for those under 40 if necessary, such as when individuals allergic to Pfizer or Moderna vaccine components wish to be vaccinated or if the distribution of those vaccines is suspended, and plans to reconsider the eligible age group in the future based on the situation in Japan.

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