Japan Confirms Policy on COVID-19 Vaccine 'Booster Shots'... Implementation Possible Within This Year

Vaccination with an Interval of Over 8 Months After the Second Dose

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Japan is expected to start additional COVID-19 vaccinations (booster shots) as early as this year.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 18th, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has finalized the booster shot policy after obtaining approval from an expert committee, starting with healthcare workers within the year. The plan is to administer the same vaccine as the first and second doses, with an interval of more than 8 months after the second dose. However, specific target groups for vaccination will be reviewed later.

In Japan, the first dose vaccination began in February this year, starting with healthcare workers. Considering the timing of their second dose and the additional interval of more than 8 months, booster shots are expected to begin as early as December.

As of the 16th, the first dose vaccination rate among the entire population of Japan is 65%, and the second dose rate is 53%. The Japanese government plans to complete the second dose for all willing recipients before November this year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has decided to allow cross-vaccination for those who showed severe allergic reactions to the first dose, based on the judgment of the attending physician.

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