Japan's Booster Shot Vaccination Stalls... Less Than a Quarter of Target Achieved

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In Japan, where COVID-19 cases are rapidly increasing due to the Omicron variant, booster shot vaccinations have been sluggish.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 26th, the Japanese government aimed to vaccinate 14.7 million people, mainly healthcare workers and elderly people aged 65 and over, from the start of the third dose vaccinations on the 1st of last month until the end of this month.

However, as of the 23rd, only 2.36 million people have completed the third dose, achieving just 16% of the target. By region, Tokyo Metropolis had the highest rate at 16.8%, followed by Osaka Prefecture (12.4%) and Kanagawa Prefecture (12.8%).

The Japanese government initially planned to administer the third dose to those who had passed 8 months since their second dose. However, due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the interval between vaccinations was shortened to 6 months for healthcare workers and elderly people, and 7 months for those aged 64 and under.

Japan is currently prioritizing the third dose for healthcare workers and elderly residents in nursing facilities. A person in charge in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, said, "Among elderly facility residents, many cannot confirm their intention to be vaccinated due to dementia and other reasons." When it is difficult to confirm the individual's intention, family consent is required, which adds extra time to the process.

Among healthcare workers, some are concerned about vaccine side effects. A healthcare worker in Nara Prefecture said, "We are not rushing vaccinations to continue providing medical services."

The Tokyo Shimbun pointed out, "The third dose vaccination is not proceeding as planned," and noted that "(Japan's) vaccination rate relative to the population is 2.1%, the lowest among OECD member countries."