An updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant became available in Japan on Sept. 20 ahead of an expected surge in infections around the year-end holidays.
Japanese drugmaker Daiichi Sankyo Co. has applied with the health ministry for approval of a new coronavirus vaccine, aiming to be the first in the nation to put a domestically developed messenger RNA vaccine into use.
Japan s health ministry grants fast-track approval for U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna Inc. s coronavirus vaccine tailored for the BA.5 subvariant now prevalent in the country.
The Japanese government has selected 17 projects led by companies and universities to support manufacturing of vaccines when a pandemic breaks out, the industry minister says.
A new COVID-19 vaccine considered effective against the Omicron variant will be available to all people who have completed at least two inoculations from as early as mid-October, according to the Japanese government