COVID-19 vaccine. (Image via Japan Today)

Japan to hold COVID-19 vaccination simulation on Wednesday

It is revealed that in order to be ready for the mass vaccination program, on Wednesday, Japan is going to hold a simulation for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination program in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. The information was revealed by the chief of the mass vaccination program and also the Minister for Administrative Reform and Regulatory Reform, Tari Kono.

Speaking at the House of Representative' Budget Committee's meeting, Kono stated that the plan came as the world's third-largest economy will begin its mass vaccination program by late February after the Japanese Government has done sorting the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. Also attending the meeting, the Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, stated that vaccination is the key against COVID-19. Therefore, he wants to bring the COVID-19 vaccine for the Japanese people and does not want to sugarcoat any effects.

Currently, Japan has landed a deal to receive 310 million doses from the two main U.S companies, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and the British-flagged AstraZeneca-Oxford. In total, the vaccine may cover 157 million people. For the vaccination, the Japanese Government prioritizes medical workers, elderly people aged 65 and beyond, and people with pre-existing conditions taking care of the elderly. 

The responsibility, however, will be divided. As the Central Government is struggling to secure the COVID-19 vaccines, the mass inoculations will be taken charge of by the Local Governments. However, the majority of the prefectural capital saw that it would be a great challenge for the Central Government to secure enough vaccine doses.

Source: https://bit.ly/3sWQbpd