05 Feb

Japan's health ministry is making arrangements to approve a coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech on February 15.

The ministry has already signed a contract with Pfizer to receive doses for 72 million people this year.

Last week, Pfizer submitted data to the ministry on clinical trials of the vaccine in Japan.

The ministry is planning to hold an expert panel meeting on February 12 to seek advice on whether to approve the vaccine.

If the panel gives the green light, Health Minister Tamura Norihisa is expected to issue formal approval on February 15.

Officials say the vaccine, if approved, will be administered only to people aged 16 or older for the time being.

They also plan to bar anyone who has a history of severe allergic reactions to any ingredients of the vaccine from receiving it.

The health ministry says it will swiftly inform local governments of those who are eligible for the vaccine and when they can start using it after it is formally approved.

nhk