Keystone
Japan is preparing to discard up to 240 million unused Covid-19 vaccine doses as new variants of the virus evolve and the number of people still intending to receive the vaccine gradually stabilizes.
The Tokyo government ended the free coronavirus immunization program at the end of March, following a total administration of 436.2 million vaccinations, provided almost entirely by US pharmaceutical companies, Moderna and Pfizer.
In Japan, inoculations officially began in February 2021, with the government signing purchase contracts with the major pharmaceutical producers for 928.4 million doses, then canceling around 200 million and authorizing the supply of around 40 million doses of the serum to foreign countries.
Lastly, according to data from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, of the 46.4 million vaccine doses purchased by the government last summer, approximately 18 million unused ones will be discarded even if they have not expired.
Vaccines produced by the US company Pfizer accounted for the largest number of vaccinations, with around 342.8 million, or 79%, followed by those produced by Moderna, at 92.9 million, or around 21%.
Routine Covid vaccinations in Japan will be offered from this autumn to people over 65, and to those aged 60 to 64 with serious medical conditions. The maximum amount to be paid individually will be 7,000 yen, equivalent – at the current exchange rate – to 41.75 francs.
SDA
