Japan has agreed to purchase 1.4 million COVID-19 vaccines

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Japan has agreed to purchase 1.4 million COVID-19 vaccines

Japan has agreed to purchase 1.4 million COVID-19 vaccines

The Japan government has agreed to purchase 1.4 million doses of the first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine, “Daichirona Injectable,” from Daiichi Sankyo, with deliveries expected in early December.

On Nov 17th, the Ministry of Japan Health, Labour, and Welfare announced that it had reached an agreement to purchase 1.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, targeting all age groups, from Daiichi Sankyo to address the Omicron variant’s XBB sublineage.

This marks the first purchase agreement for a domestically developed vaccine by the country.

The announcement was made by Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare, Keizo Takumi, in a press conference after the cabinet meeting on Nov 17th.

Japan has agreed to purchase 1.4 million COVID-19 vaccines

Daiichi Sankyo’s COVID-19 vaccine, approved for domestic manufacturing and sales for the first time in August, had not been utilized previously for the conventional virus strain. In September, the company reapplied for approval for an XBB-compatible vaccine.

If approval for the XBB-compatible vaccine is granted at the expert panel meeting on November 27th, distribution to local governments will commence from the week of December 4th.

Previously, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare had entered into purchase agreements for a total of 45 million doses of XBB-compatible vaccine from Pfizer and Moderna in preparation for the autumn vaccination campaign. While the autumn vaccination campaign targets all generations aged six months and above, local governments have been advised to prioritize vaccination for individuals aged 65 and above and those with underlying health conditions.

Why does Japan government still purchase COVID-19 vaccines?

The Japanese government’s decision to continue purchasing COVID-19 vaccines, even after the initial rollout and approval of domestically developed vaccines, can be attributed to several factors:

Emergence of New Variants: The announcement specifically mentions the Omicron variant’s XBB sublineage. The ongoing evolution of the virus and the emergence of new variants necessitate a proactive approach to vaccine procurement to ensure preparedness against potential changes in the virus.
Booster Shots and Autumn Vaccination Campaign: The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare has been actively involved in planning and executing vaccination campaigns, including booster shots. The autumn vaccination campaign mentioned in the news focuses on vaccinating individuals aged six months and above. Securing an adequate vaccine supply is crucial for the success of these campaigns.
Diversification of Vaccine Portfolio: Having a diverse portfolio of vaccines provides flexibility in addressing different population groups and responding to emerging challenges. By purchasing vaccines from various sources, the government can ensure a robust and comprehensive vaccination strategy.
Global Collaboration: The global nature of the pandemic and the interconnectedness of countries highlight the importance of collaboration and solidarity. Continued vaccine purchases may be part of Japan’s commitment to global efforts to control and eventually end the spread of COVID-19.
Preparedness for Future Waves: The government’s decision to purchase additional doses indicates a commitment to being prepared for potential future waves of infections or uncertainties in the trajectory of the pandemic.

In summary, the Japanese government’s ongoing vaccine purchases reflect a commitment to staying ahead of the evolving nature of the pandemic, ensuring a secure vaccine supply for booster shots and vaccination campaigns, and contributing to global efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.