<Anchor>
Japanese Prime Minister Suga, who is visiting the United States, spoke with Pfizer's representative to request additional vaccine supplies. If the story went well, the Japanese government announced that it has virtually obtained a vaccine that can be vaccinated by all citizens over the age of 16.
This is Yoo Seong-jae from Tokyo.
<Reporter>
Japanese Prime Minister Suga's first schedule on his last day in the US was a phone call with Pfizer CEO Albert Bulla.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Prime Minister Suga had requested Pfizer to supply additional vaccines to Japan in the call, and Bula's CEO also revealed on social media that it had discussed additional supplies with Prime Minister Suga immediately after the call.
Kono Administrative Reform Award, who is in charge of vaccine policy in the Japanese government, said on a TV broadcast today (18th), "With this call, Japan and Pfizer have substantially agreed to provide additional vaccines." "We can now provide vaccines to people who have been vaccinated."
Originally, Japan signed a contract from Pfizer to supply 72 million vaccines within this year.
Considering that Japan has 110 million people over the age of 16, the amount of additional reserves seems to be about 40 million people.
Japan started vaccinating 36 million people aged 65 and over from last week, following healthcare workers, but the approved vaccine is one of Pfizer's, which is disrupting its supply.
It looks like Prime Minister Suga gave a few steps to Pfizer's representative who wanted to talk directly with the summit, but considering the situation in Japan, where the fourth epidemic is evident, it is evaluated that there is no such achievement in visiting the United States.
(Video coverage: Moon Hyun-jin, video editing: Yoon Tae-ho)
▶ It's a weekend with 600 people… 3% positive rate in 4 months
▶ Modena is also testing'one more time'... Supply-demand anxiety seems to increase