Japan to start vaccinations at workplaces and university campuses

Speeding up the rollout

While the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions remain the priority, the Japanese government plans to provide coronavirus vaccinations at workplaces and university campuses from June 21 to speed up the national rollout. It started accepting applications from potential hosts on June 8.

Moderna vaccines will be used. People do not need to wait for coupons from the municipalities where they live.

Companies and universities will need to staff the vaccination centers themselves and allocate appropriate space.

They are expected to cater to employees, subcontractors, and students. They must also decide whether to extend the program to casual and part-time employees, and family members.

Small to medium-sized companies can offer shots with the assistance of a chamber of commerce.

Off to an early start

All Nippon Airways started its company vaccination program ahead of schedule on June 13. It was able to secure vaccines and medical staff early enough to become the first firm to start workplace inoculations.

The airline will offer shots to more than 46,000 employees including contractors.

Other firms are still in the planning stage. Sumitomo Life Insurance Company aims to vaccinate around 4,000 people each at its offices in Tokyo and Osaka. It will hire a team of doctors and nurses. Executive officer Kawaguchi Kensei says the biggest challenge is securing a supply of vaccines – something that government officials are helping with.

Office rental firm TKP is offering meeting rooms for free to help smaller firms that don’t have on-site clinics or large spaces.

This information is accurate as of June 14, 2021.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1668/