Foreign Substances Found Again in Moderna Vaccine Distributed in Japan

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Foreign substances have been found again in Moderna vaccines distributed in Japan, leading to a temporary suspension of vaccinations.

On the 1st, the Kanagawa Prefectural authorities reported that foreign substances were found in Moderna vaccines distributed in the region, and vaccination with the remaining vaccine doses has been temporarily suspended.

The authorities stated in a press release, "Pharmacists discovered black particles in some vaccines," adding, "Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, responsible for distributing Moderna vaccines in Kanagawa Prefecture, has recalled the suspected contaminated vaccines and launched an investigation."

The authorities further added, "So far, about 3,790 people have been vaccinated at the vaccination sites where the affected vaccines were distributed."

Earlier, Japanese authorities had suspended vaccinations of approximately 1.63 million doses after foreign substances were found in some Moderna vaccine batches last week.

Moderna stated that the foreign substances appear to have been introduced during the manufacturing process, and European regulatory authorities are currently investigating the matter.

Additionally, on the 29th, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that foreign substances related to Moderna vaccines reported in Okinawa were fragments that detached from the rubber stoppers of the vials during the process of injecting the vaccine into syringes.

The previous day, in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, foreign substances were reported in Moderna vaccines distributed in the area.

On the 29th, in Gunma Prefecture, foreign substances were also found in one vial (enough for 10 people) of Moderna vaccine scheduled for use.

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