Japan Begins Administering Third Dose of Coronavirus Vaccine to Healthcare Workers

Strategic Insights -

Japan has started giving a third dose of coronavirus vaccine to its healthcare workers, with the first shot being administered at the Tokyo Medical Center in Meguro Ward. The vaccination site was set up before 9 a.m., and 18 doctors and nurses received the Pfizer vaccine after presenting their health-check sheets. The medical center's head, Araki Kazuhiro, expressed relief at the first step towards ensuring the safety of patients, their families, and hospital staff, given the uncertain effectiveness of existing vaccines against the Omicron variant.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Japanese government has identified 1.04 million healthcare workers who received their second shot at least 8 months ago and are eligible for a booster shot in December.
  • An additional 2 million healthcare professionals and 1.03 million people, including those aged 65 or older, will be eligible for a booster shot in January 2023.
  • Workplace inoculations are scheduled to begin at companies and universities in March 2023.
  • Vaccination tickets for booster shots will be delivered by post before the passage of 8 months from one's second dose, and arrangements will be made for delayed delivery.
  • The third dose is initially targeting frontline healthcare workers, with the Pfizer vaccine being administered.
  • The Tokyo Medical Center was the first site to administer the third dose, with 18 healthcare workers receiving the vaccine on the first day.

Statistics:

  • 1.04 million healthcare workers are eligible for a booster shot in December 2022.
  • 2 million healthcare professionals will be eligible for a booster shot in January 2023.
  • 1.03 million people, including those aged 65 or older, will be eligible for a booster shot in January 2023.
  • 18 doctors and nurses received the third dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Tokyo Medical Center.

Sources:

  • NHK World-Japan