Delay Expected in Coronavirus Vaccinations for Elderly in Japan

From Jiji Press

February 23 2021

TOKYO – Coronavirus vaccinations for those aged 65 or older are expected to make a full-fledged start in Japan later than currently planned. 

The vaccinations for such people are now seen starting on a trial basis in April and going into full swing as early as May, when many vaccine shipments are set to arrive in Japan.

The government plans to release a new schedule for the delivery of vaccines to local governments within this week.

On Monday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, that the government is making preparations so that COVID-19 vaccinations for the elderly will start in April.

But Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato sounded cautious, saying that attention needs to be paid to the vaccine supply situation.