Japan Govt. Approves Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine For Child Booster Shots
Japan's health ministry has approved the use of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine for booster shots for children aged 5 to 11.
The vaccine of the US pharmaceutical firm is the first to get the ministry's permission to be used as boosters for the age group.
The approval came on Tuesday, a day after the ministry's expert panel gave the go-ahead.
Children in the age group started receiving Pfizer vaccines in February for their first and second jabs.
The ministry plans to have children receive Pfizer boosters at least five months after their second shots, like adults.
Officials plan to discuss when to start providing the boosters.
The Cabinet is expected to approve as early as September an ordinance that would oblige people to make efforts to have their children aged 5 to 11 receive coronavirus vaccinations.
Officials say the move is based on data about the efficacy and safety of inoculating children in the age group against the Omicron variant.