A subcommittee of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has agreed to approve the domestic use of Moderna's vaccine, which corresponds to "BA.5", which is the main cause of infection among the Omicron strains of the new coronavirus. .
It is expected that vaccination will start as early as November.
Moderna applied for approval of vaccines corresponding to "BA.5" and "BA.4" on October 5, and at a subcommittee of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare held on the night of the 31st, targeting people aged 18 and over was approved for domestic use.
Regarding the efficacy of the vaccine, it is expected to have a preventive effect against mutant strains including "BA.5", and there are no particular concerns about safety in terms of its use overseas.
Regarding vaccines for Omicron strains, Pfizer and Moderna's "BA.1" vaccines have been administered since September, and Pfizer's "BA.5" vaccines have been administered since October. According to the latest situation announced by the government on the 31st, the number of people who have been vaccinated in Japan is over 5.95 million, which is 4.7% of the total. .
Regarding Moderna's "BA.5" compatible vaccine, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will proceed with the necessary procedures in the future, and it is expected that vaccination will start as early as November.