Japan approves first COVID-19 vaccine with Tokyo Olympics in sight; roll-out slated to begin this week

Officials have insisted that the Tokyo Games will take place despite COVID-19 continuing to affect the entire world. Athletes and other participants will be encouraged, but not required to be vaccinated.

Representative image. AP

Tokyo: Japan approved its first coronavirus vaccine, clearing the way for mass inoculations as the nation prepares to host the postponed 2020 Olympics.

“The Health Minister today gave special approval to the Pfizer vaccine,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet.

Japan is now expected to put the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine into the arms of 10,000 to 20,000 medical workers from Wednesday, before manufacturing it and others. coronavirus vaccines available for more medical workers and seniors starting in April.

The government has yet to outline the exact implementation schedule for the rest of its population of 126 million people.

Olympics officials have insisted that the Tokyo Games will take place despite COVID-19 it continues to affect the whole world.

Athletes and other participants will be encouraged, but not required to get vaccinated to participate.

Japan is now trying to secure enough specialty syringes that can draw the full six doses from each vial of the Pfizer vaccine.

The most commonly used syringes can only draw five doses.

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