Regarding the vaccination of the new coronavirus, we found from interviews with prisons and local governments that the vaccination of prisoners aged 65 and over in prisons in Tochigi Prefecture has not progressed.
Experts say, "Prisons are prone to spread and vaccination as soon as possible is desirable."
Vaccination with the new coronavirus is being prioritized for the elderly aged 65 and over, and the government aims to complete vaccination for all elderly by the end of next month.
Under these circumstances, when we interviewed three prisons and local governments in Tochigi prefecture, we found that inoculation of prisoners aged 65 and over was not progressing.
Of these, the Kitsuregawa Social Rehabilitation Promotion Center in Sakura City had 117 inmates aged 65 and over as of the 7th of this month, but none of them have been vaccinated and the schedule has not been decided. about it.
Also, even at Tochigi Prison in Tochigi City, all inmates aged 65 and over have not been vaccinated.
On the other hand, Kurobane Prison in Otawara City is scheduled to close this year, and there are no elderly inmates.
Vaccination in prisons is to be done by the local government, and the Ministry of Justice says, "Prisons will coordinate appropriately with local governments and proceed without confusion."
In Sakura City and Tochigi City, we would like to proceed with planning based on the preparation status of the prison side and the progress of inoculation to the general elderly.
Professor Fumi Tatsuno of Kokushikan University, who is familiar with the treatment of prisoners, said, "Correction facilities such as prisons are in an environment where it is difficult to isolate even if infection is confirmed, and infection is easy to spread, so it is desirable to inoculate as soon as possible." ..