"Foreign Substances Found in Moderna Vaccines Distributed in Japan Are Metal Particles"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Recently, foreign substances were found in Moderna vaccines distributed in Japan, leading to a suspension of vaccinations. Reports have emerged that the foreign substances are metal powder.

On the 26th (local time), NHK, citing government sources, reported, "The foreign substances found in the vaccine reacted to magnets," adding, "Authorities suspect that the foreign substances are metal particles."

A government official stated that the exact nature of the foreign substances has not yet been confirmed.

Another government official said it would take more time to determine how many vaccines contaminated with the foreign substances have been administered.

Based on statistics from local governments, Kyodo News reported that an estimated 176,000 doses of contaminated Moderna vaccines have been administered so far.

Earlier, Moderna stated that the foreign substances do not significantly affect the safety or efficacy of the vaccine.

Foreign media have analyzed that the suspension of vaccine distribution due to the discovery of these foreign substances will disrupt Japan's vaccination plans.

Authorities explained that the suspension of vaccine distribution is a temporary measure, but some companies have halted vaccination plans for their employees, and European regulatory authorities have also launched investigations into the foreign substance incident.

The Spanish company 'Lobi,' responsible for filling the Moderna vaccine concentrate into vials to produce the final product, stated that the foreign substance incident appears to be a problem that occurred during the manufacturing process and has begun its own investigation.

Earlier, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported on the 26th that foreign substances were mixed into unused Moderna vaccines at multiple vaccination facilities in Japan and decided to suspend the use of vaccines manufactured through the same process as those containing the foreign substances.

As a result, a total of 1.63 million doses of unused vaccines delivered to approximately 863 vaccination facilities in Japan have been suspended.

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