Japan Officially Approves Novavax Covid - 19 Vaccine
Japan's health ministry on Tuesday officially authorized a coronavirus vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical company Novavax to be used for people 18 and older.
The vaccine is the fourth to be approved for use in Japan.
Unlike messenger RNA-based vaccines by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, the Novavax vaccine is protein-based. The ministry hopes it can be administered to those who are likely to show allergic reactions to mRNA vaccines so they can get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Protein-based vaccines are known to cause relatively less reactions.
The vaccine requires two doses with an interval of three weeks between them.
The ministry plans to allow a booster shot to be given at least six months after the second shot.
The ministry is requesting prefectural governments to open at least one site for administering the vaccine to ensure access to those who prefer it.
Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical will produce and distribute the Novavax vaccine. It is contracted to deliver 150 million doses of the vaccine to the government within a year. Vaccinations are expected to start in late May at the earliest.
Health minister Goto Shigeyuki told reporters on Tuesday that the government purchased the vaccine last September to ensure a stable supply in the event export restrictions are imposed on overseas vaccines.
He said the government chose the Novavax vaccine because it is a protein-based type that has a stable track record. He also said the government wants to be able to offer a variety of vaccines.
The health minister added that the government will make full use of the vaccine stock in line with advice from a relevant panel.