Japan Enacts Coronavirus Vaccine Laws
Japan's Diet has enacted legislation to prepare to distribute and administer coronavirus vaccines.
The Upper House of the Diet unanimously approved on Wednesday a bill to revise laws related to immunization and quarantine to address the ongoing pandemic.
The revision says people are obligated to make efforts to receive the coronavirus vaccine, and inoculations will be carried out by local municipalities. The Japanese government will fully pay its costs.
If the vaccines are found to cause health problems, the government will pay for the treatment. It will also compensate drug companies for any damages they have to pay to those who have health problems.
In addition to the legislation, the government will begin preparations to allow smooth vaccine distribution, by securing necessary freezers to preserve them.
It also plans to brief municipalities about the vaccination program, with a goal of starting vaccinations sometime in the first half of next year.
Healthcare workers, the elderly and people with underlying health issues will be prioritized to get the vaccines.
The bill approved on Wednesday also allows authorities to continue applying quarantine isolation measures to people who test positive upon entry into Japan after February next year.
