https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220411/k10013577901000.html

Cancellation Purchase of AstraZeneca vaccines by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had a contract to purchase 120 million doses of the new coronavirus vaccine “AstraZeneca”, but canceled 40 million doses because it is unlikely that the number of inoculations will increase significantly in the future.

It is said that the AstraZeneca vaccine may cause blood clots in extremely rare cases after vaccination, and in August last year, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare added the vaccine to public vaccinations for people aged 40 and over.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has signed a contract to purchase 120 million batches, and has delivered approximately 200.000 batches to local government nationwide.

It is said that people who have an allergic reaction to the component of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been vaccinated, but the number of vaccinations is only about 120.000 in 8 months and 10 days.

For this reason, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has canceled 40 million doses.

The cancellation fee cannot be clarified by the contract.

Of the remaining 80 million doses, 43 million doses have already been provided overseas, mainly in developing countries, and they are coordinating with each country by increasing the number.

According to the Ministry of health, Labor and Welfare, “There is no problem with domestic vaccine supply even with this cancellation.”

AstraZeneca commented, "We are coordinating with the government to supply our vaccines based on when and how much they need them."

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20220411/k10013577901000.html