Johnson & Johnson Files for Approval of COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan

Johnson & Johnson's Japanese unit has filed for approval of its one-shot COVID-19 vaccine with the country's Health Ministry, marking the fourth vaccine contender to join the Japanese market. The vaccine has undergone clinical trials in Japan and has been deemed safe for use. Japan's vaccination campaign has faced criticism for its slow rollout, with only 4% of the population having received at least one shot as of recent government data. The country aims to vaccinate its 36-million elderly population by the end of July, with mass vaccination centers opening in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture.

Key Takeaways:

Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. unit has filed for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine with Japan's Health Ministry.
The vaccine has undergone clinical trials in Japan and has been deemed safe for use.
Japan's vaccination campaign has faced criticism for its slow rollout, with only 4% of the population having received at least one shot as of recent government data.
The country aims to vaccinate its 36-million elderly population by the end of July.
Mass vaccination centers have opened in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture to support the vaccination campaign.
Johnson & Johnson's vaccine is of concern due to a rare blood clotting syndrome reported in 30 recipients out of 8.7 million people who had received the jab.
The company's Chief Scientific Officer, Paul Stoffels, states that the firm's single-shot jab can help in the global fight against the pandemic.

Statistics:

4% of Japan's population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot as of recent government data.
36 million elderly population in Japan need to be vaccinated by the end of July.
30 recipients out of 8.7 million people who received Johnson & Johnson's vaccine developed a rare blood clotting syndrome in the US.
The vaccine was deemed safe to use based on results of clinical trials held in Japan.

Sources:

Xinhua via COMTEX.