Over Half Of Japan's Elderly Received First Jab
The Japanese government says more than half of the country's elderly population had received their first shot of a coronavirus vaccine as of Wednesday.
Data released on Thursday shows that 18,130,125 people, or 51.09 percent of Japan's elderly had received their first jab, while 17.51 percent had completed the required two doses.
Japan began its vaccination drive in February, starting with medical workers. Inoculation of those turning 65 by March next year and older began on April 12.
The government plans to complete giving shots to everyone who wishes to be vaccinated in this age group by the end of July.
By prefecture, Saga in southwestern Japan had the highest vaccination rate. Those who received their first shot accounted for 68.33 percent of the elderly population, while 29.25 percent had completed the required two shots.
Gifu in central Japan followed with 65.62 percent for one shot and 23.01 percent for two.
Yamagata in northern Japan was next at 63.2 percent for one shot and 24.82 percent for two.
Among the more populous prefectures, 51.77 percent of the elderly in Tokyo had received their first shot and 17.88 percent two shots. In Osaka, the corresponding figures were 45.81 percent and 13.34 percent. In Aichi, the figures were 61.85 percent and 19.04 percent.
The government says the figures are based on the numbers reported by municipalities and that the actual numbers are probably higher.