Utilization of Contingency Funds... Full Coverage by Central Government Confirmed
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government is considering a plan to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to all applicants once the vaccine becomes commercially available, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported on the 3rd.
According to the report, the Japanese government plans to prioritize vaccinations for high-risk elderly individuals and healthcare workers, and expand the eligible recipients as vaccine supply increases.
The government intends to cover all vaccination costs with national funds to establish a system that allows many people to be vaccinated quickly.
During the 10-year period starting in 2009 when the novel influenza was prevalent, self-payment was the principle. The fee was 3,600 yen (about 40,000 won) per dose, and 6,150 yen (about 69,000 won) for two doses. However, only low-income groups received subsidies for vaccination from the national and local governments.
This time, the government will use contingency funds to provide vaccinations free of charge, with the central government covering all costs and local governments not bearing any burden.
Currently, the Japanese government is in discussions with several pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer in the U.S. and AstraZeneca in the U.K., regarding the supply of COVID-19 vaccines. If supply proceeds smoothly, vaccinations are expected to begin in 2021. The goal is to secure enough vaccines to vaccinate the entire population by the first half of next year.
The Japanese government is also preparing compensation measures in case of adverse effects following vaccination, while ensuring smooth vaccination progress. A system is being established where the government will pay compensation that pharmaceutical companies are required to pay through lawsuits on their behalf.
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