99: With half of Japan vaccinated, what's next for the vaccine rollout?

If you were in Japan back in February, when the Pfizer vaccine was first approved, you’ll remember the frustratingly slow pace of the vaccine rollout, as many other countries around the world ramped up their vaccine programs at speed. 

The slow pace continued through to the start of summer, but in August Japan distributed its 100 millionth dose of vaccine, and almost 50% of the country is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Later this month, Japan is set to pass the U.S. when it comes to the percentage of its citizens fully vaccinated. 

Of course there are still many people who have yet to receive a vaccine and it is vital that they do, but with around 1 million shots being given each day, Japan will soon be in the position where everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one.



Read more:

Youth clobbered, elderly spared in Japan’s worst-ever COVID-19 wave (Lisa Du, The Japan Times)

Japan reaches 100 million vaccine doses as focus shifts to youth (Sophie Jackman and Lisa Du, The Japan Times)

With new leader to take reins, Japan eyes extending COVID-19 emergency in hot spots (The Japan Times)

Moderna to recall COVID-19 doses in Japan over stainless steel contaminants (The Japan Times)

Third man in Japan died after receiving recalled Moderna vaccine (The Japan Times)

Canada, France and Singapore begin to recognize Japan’s vaccine passports (Magdalena Osumi, The Japan Times)

Japan to issue digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates in December, report says (The Japan Times)

On this episode:

Lisa Du: Twitter | Articles

Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

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Photo: A health care worker administers a dose of the Moderna Inc. Covid-19 vaccine in the city of Saitama last month. | BLOOMBERG