New Corona Omicron strain BA.1 and BA.5 corresponding vaccine can be selected?

Among the Omicron strains of the new coronavirus, vaccination against "BA.5", which is the mainstream of infection, has started.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to deliver a total of 80 million vaccines by the end of the year, including the "BA.1" and "BA.5" vaccines that have already started vaccination.

In the future, each municipality will be inoculated with two vaccines, but will we be able to choose the vaccine when we inoculate?

Questions are summarized in a Q&A format.

Q. How can the two vaccinations proceed?

As a general rule, vaccination against the new coronavirus is carried out in the municipality with the resident card.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare explains the handling of the two vaccines to local governments as follows.

First, when the BA.5 compatible vaccine is delivered to the vaccination site, if there is still a BA.1 compatible vaccine, the vaccine has an expiration date. It is said that it is necessary to use it in order from the earliest.

Also, when switching from a BA.1 vaccine to a BA.5 vaccine, temporary use of both vaccines at the same time is acceptable.

Q. Can I choose which one to hit?

Next is about whether to allow residents to choose between two vaccines.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare does not need to indicate to local governments whether the vaccine used at the time of reservation for residents is a "BA.1" or "BA.5" vaccine.

Although it is possible to provide information such as which vaccine is being used at the discretion of the local government, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided that in the vaccine distribution plan, "BA.1" compatible vaccine and "BA.5" compatible vaccine Please note that we plan to allocate the necessary amount accordingly.

Q.Which one should I hit?

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare says that the two vaccines containing Omicron strain components are expected to be more effective than conventional vaccines, and that they are likely to be effective against future mutant strains.

On top of that, it is said that data comparing the effects of the two vaccines have not been confirmed at this time, and they are calling for the Omicron strain-compatible vaccine that can be inoculated at that time to be shot as soon as possible.

Specially appointed professor Tetsuo Nakayama of Kitasato University, who specializes in clinical virology and is familiar with vaccines, said as follows.

"It seems that this vaccine is more effective in preventing infection and onset against 'BA.5', which is currently the mainstream.

" Compared to the difference between the conventional virus and the mutated virus that followed, it's not a big deal.We can fully expect that even a vaccine that supports BA.1 will be effective in preventing aggravation.Pre-order a vaccine that supports BA.1 now. If a vaccine that corresponds to BA.5 actually becomes available around 5 months after the previous vaccination, then you should get the vaccine that corresponds to BA.5. I think the basic thing is to get vaccinated without missing an opportunity to be vaccinated.”

Q. What is the future vaccination schedule?

All persons aged 12 years and over who have completed two doses of the conventional vaccine are eligible for the Omicron strain vaccine, provided that at least five months have passed since the previous vaccination. increase.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare estimates that approximately 76.52 million people will be vaccinated by the end of the year.

The breakdown is 21.88 million people over the age of 60, and 54.64 million people between the ages of 12 and 60.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare plans to deliver a total of about 80 million doses of Pfizer's BA.1 and BA.5 vaccines and Moderna's BA.1 vaccine to local governments by early next month. is.

In addition, 5 million doses of Moderna's "BA.1" vaccine have been set aside for occupational vaccination starting on the 17th of this month.

In preparation for the spread of infection that is a concern during the year-end and New Year holidays, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has indicated a policy of inoculating everyone who wishes, and the interval from the previous vaccination, which is at least 5 months, will be shortened later this month. is under consideration.