Japan gives nod to Pfizer vaccine ahead of Olympics

Japan, who
is all set to host the postponed 2020 Olympics, has approved its first COVID-19
vaccine on Sunday, further making the path for mass vaccination. The prime
minister’s office tweeted, “The health minister today gave a
special approval to the Pfizer vaccine”. However, the government is yet to plan
the exact rollout schedule for the rest of 126 million countrymen. Now, Japan
is looking forward to vaccinate around 10,000 to 20,000 medical workers from as
early as Wednesday with Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

Also read: Considering emergency in Tokyo over ‘very severe’ third wave of COVID-19: Japan PM Suga

Later, from April, they will make Pfizer/BioNTech and other COVID-19 vaccines
available for more medical workers and elder people, reported AFP.

The country is now trying to secure as many special syringes which can
extract the full six doses from each bottle of the Pfizer vaccine. Although
mostly syringes can only draw five doses.

Also read: Olympic medalists, volunteers condemn sexist remarks by Tokyo Games chief

Olympics officials of Tokyo Games have demanded that the games will take
place even though the pandemic still continues to affect the entire world while
athletes and other participants will be encouraged, but not compelled, to
receive vaccines in order to participate in the games.

The games will conduct its opening ceremony on July 23, 2021 which was postponed just two days before it was
going to commence earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.