Pfizer Vaccine Arrives In Japan
Japan has received its first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
The doses arrived at Narita Airport near Tokyo Friday on an airplane from Belgium.
A health ministry panel is set to hold a meeting the same day on the vaccine's efficacy and safety before giving the green light.
Health minister Tamura Norihisa is expected to officially approve the vaccine as the country's first against the coronavirus as early as Sunday.
The government plans to give the first shots to medical workers in the middle of next week.
Vaccines for the elderly will likely start in April, followed by people with underlying health conditions and workers at care facilities for the elderly.
Pfizer is due to supply Japan with enough doses for 72 million people under a contract with the Japanese government.