A medical worker fills a syringe with a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Tokyo Medical Center in Tokyo. Photo: AP file
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COVID-19 vaccination for those under 65 may start in July: minister

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Over 65's are a bit more than 36 million, and are nearly 29% of the population. If you count out the under - 16's that the government is going to exclude from vaccination (why? - they could always be the last group to vaccinate, as at the lowest risk of serious illness), the over 65's are a very big chunk of the population they plan to vaccinate.

No way they will complete this by July - they've already been doing the health workers for weeks and haven't managed to finish - and that's people many of whom work at places where they can get vaccinated!

One thing this pandemic has done, is given us a unique way to compare countries' response to the same challenge, at the same moment in time. For Japan, we can all confirm what we knew already, and its knickers are showing to the rest of the world. It's really frustrating and disheartening to those of us who have spent many years and made our lives here - it doesn't bring any satisfaction at all, despite what some posters might believe.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The rollout of coronavirus vaccines in Japan for people under 65 may begin in July 

"may begin in July..." So, July is the best-case scenario, with August or September or later being the more likely date for rollout.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's May in 4 days and AFAIK, not a single shot has been administered yet in Nerima-ku (where I live) to the over-65s group (which I belong to). There are about 40 million Japanese in this age group and the total vaccinated numbers are PATHETIC so far.

From my perspective, the government is pushing propaganda on "may" and "if" possibilities to keep people compliant.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Isn’t it very kind and noble of Suga and the government to allow all other developed nations in the world to receive vaccines before the population of Japan.

They need to be held to account.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They haven’t even begun to vaccine the over 65s, so why this nonsense about younger people being vaccinated from July.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

bokudaToday  07:44 am JST

Half of the population in Japan is over 65. 

You may want to research that, in fact, why didn't you before writing? The proportion of the population over 65 years old is less than 30%.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

There are already reports that vaccination sites in the US are closing down due to a lack of demand for shots. Once it is established that the US can produce more shots than it needs, places like Japan should immediately put in orders for the vaccines.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

July 2023?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Does the Japanese government think we’re stupid? The real meaning is for the athletes to get vaccinated; everyone else is 2nd place.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

COVID-19 vaccination for those under 65 may start in July: minister

That's 2021?

Or 2022?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The rollout of coronavirus vaccines in Japan for people under 65 may begin in July depending on the availability of supplies, the health minister said Sunday.

July???? By July the entire adult population of the UK will have had the first vaccination with nearly half with the second...

That is mind bogglingly slow... why?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

My guess is that someone on the highest level of power got bought off by Pfizer.

You think?!

Wonder why only the 2 cheaper Vaccines got all the negative press while Pfizer's problems got barely a mention.

Ask why it is taking more than twice the time to approve Moderna, Novavax and AZ despite the fact that Japan was part of AZ trials and testing last year but now has to go through the same process again.

Something smells rotten and is isn't the fish in the garbage bin at the local fish market.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Too early for mass vaccination. No long term studies and resistant mutations.

BUT...I demand the UN mandates that all Japanese residents have the right to Covid19 tests. Every single citizen. Anytime.

if someone is tested with mild infection, they can isolate and not spread.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

None of this makes sense.

In-laws are Japanese MDs & say they’re not in the loop. My guess is that someone on the highest level of power got bought off by Pfizer.

I can’t go and visit my elderly mother in law until she is vaccinated. It’s dubious any Olympians will visit. “Safety Countries” don’t let their citizens die in pandemics.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that Aichi-ken started to ramp up vaccinations for 65+ in early April and just released the next block of reservations, this morning. I got reservations for my parents for both shots so it looks promising.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

"Communist, totalitarian" blah blah blah. Could you possibly come up with anymore cliches?

So now you're saying that Russia and China aren't communist totalitarian regimes? With actual manipulated elections and leaders who suppress all opposition, most often in murderous manner? Because that would be a very original point of view. And by original I mean "on the opposite end of the spectrum of reality".

Still more proof totalitarian Big Pharma, Big Tech, corporate media and Wall Street use these "peer reviewed journals" as nothing more than advertising outlets.

Yeah that's not how modern science works.

What I'm saying is that the real world data demonstrates Russian and Chinese vaccines are far superior to Big Pharma concoctions

No it doesn't. But you can keep saying it without any proof. That's ok. Just watch your downvotes drown your far-fetched opinion :)

6 ( +6 / -0 )

@Brian Wheway: Letter from City/Ward Office. Two Vouchers (one for each shot). When you get this, you book online or call (theoretically). Don't shoot the messenger.

https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/pdf/210308vaccine_en.pdf

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Immediately after the Olympic athletes, no doubt.

And really... by the end of July? A growing number of nations already have more than 50% of adults -- with the elderly prioritized -- vaccinated. Japan leading the pack in dead last once again.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The word salad pronouncements on timetables only sow confusion and doubt because there is never the full picture, so you have to try and match it up to the previous announcements with different and contradictory content. Then work out what information is missing.

For example this time: what about the fact that half the health workers haven't yet been vaccinated yet? Will they finish the over-65's before moving onto the under 65's? Why is there no mention of vulnerable groups ie. people with other health issues? It was meant to be: first, health workers, second, over-65's, third, vulnerable groups, fourth, everyone else over 16. So what happened to the third group - have they been bumped? My husband has a transplant and needs a spinal operation. I know for people who need the vaccine and are waiting, the anxiety of all this contradictory news is unbelievable. They also don't mention that getting on for a third of the population is over 65, and millions of the under-65's are vulnerable. All of this is key data for planning a meaningful schedule.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

How will this vacination schema work? are people sent an email? are people randomly chosen? is it bassed on your health, ie if you suffer from chest problems? some people will be in a "at risk bracket" will they be given priority? will the public be sent a letter or a text on a mobile phone?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"The rollout of coronavirus vaccines in Japan for people under 65 may begin in July depending on the availability of supplies"

May begin in July, hahahaha! oh dear, it should be being rolled out quicker than that, thats around 2-3 months time.

"vaccination of younger people could start the same month"

if its took ages to just get the program up and running and to dish out injections to the elderly, how on earth do you think its possible to start dishing the vaccine out to younger people in the same month when youve just started to inject 65 year olds? its an impossible task, do the 65 YO take priority? will it be a random call one day to go and get injected?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

No thanks, I think I'll pass.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Considering they have said all along, their goal was vaccinate the over 65 group before the end of June, most logically, the under 65 group would come sometime in July. If they can keep on track with their schedule. Time will tell, but most people 65 and older I know have already received their tickets, and most have been able to schedule appointments.

With Golden Week coming and Tokyo and Osaka in state of emergency, we will see if they think it is a real emergency and keep vaccinate sites open during those golden week holidays or not.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is impossible, they will probably have 1 small town starting in July and remaining of the country starting sometimes late 2022.

If you look at the numbers, Japan at maximum can dose around 130,000 a day on weekdays, and that drops to around 20,000 on weekends.

Japan will be no where near finish vaccinating its 36M seniors by July. Assuming an average of 120,000/day of vaccinations, it will take close to another 300 days to just finish vaccinating the seniors, and another ~2 years to finish vaccinating rest of the population. I can say with almost certainty that Japan will not achieve every 60% vaccination rate by end of 2022. By end of this year, I'd be surprised if the vaccination rate even gets to 20%.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

At the rate things going on, it will be July 2022? That means I'll miss 3 x Christmas. :(

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I don’t understand how it would start in July unless they don’t care about vaccinating the elderly population properly prior to that. At the pace they’re going, they would need to wait until winter to open it up to the general population. Can you say bottleneck?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

will consult experts if needed, but stopped short of elaborating.

Level: Boss, with Japanese characteristics.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not the job of leaders and government officials to be ABLE TO connect with the people they are charged with representing BY elaborating and explaining the various options on the table?

You have to admit, the patience of the population is incredible!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Did you read it?

Yes, I did. Did you?

Good lord no.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

How about a chinese government official himself saying that the vaccine wasn't that effective? How about Sinopharm themselves saying it was only 79% effective?

I heard about it. I didn't know the specific figure he gave. I addressed this previously. Obviously Chinese state institutions set the bar much higher than Big Pharma. Or maybe they are just honest. Haven't bought medical journals and government regulatory bodies and only say the information like it is.

Did you read it?

Yes, I did. Did you?

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

Quote: "COVID-19 vaccination for those under 65 may start in July: minister." And it may not.

What about those people 65 and over? Are they supposed to go die, unless they are rich and with the LDP?

In treating COVID-19 Japan is behind the rest of the world. Like every country on Earth.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Sure..but NZ and Aus with minimal active cases and no strain on their hospital system can afford a slow pace

Only as long as they keep isolated from anyone leaving or entering their countries.

Many places thought they had things under control, that is until the far more contagious variants got in and sent case number skyrocketing.

So the longer both places drag their feet on vaccinating people the highest the chances are one or more variants get in and then it will be a race to vaccinate.

Australia, New Zealand are like Canada, many dual citizens from places like UK, India, etc...and refusing them from entering the country is problematic, this was how both the UK and now the Indian variants entered Canada, by returning citizens and despite the 2 week quarantine both these variants made it into the general population.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

two communist totalitarian governments over companies from western democracies ruled by peer

"Communist, totalitarian" blah blah blah. Could you possibly come up with anymore cliches?

companies from western democracies ruled by peer reviews

Still more proof totalitarian Big Pharma, Big Tech, corporate media and Wall Street use these "peer reviewed journals" as nothing more than advertising outlets. According to them, the Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective and Oxycodone isn't addictive.

the invisible hand of the market

Now we can add another explanation to this phrase. At first it was to wave away any contradictions that couldn't be explained. Now it's to explain why data demonstrating Russian and Chinese vaccines are superior to Big Pharma concoctions must be wrong.

That's really what you're saying right now?

What I'm saying is that the real world data demonstrates Russian and Chinese vaccines are far superior to Big Pharma concoctions and it doesn't surprise me one iota Chinese and Russian state owned research institutions beat Big Pharma. The checks they have to go through in order for Western institutions to grudgingly accept them is without doubt far more rigorous than the checks on Big Pharma. And the data clearly demonstrates this.

Because that seems insane.

Really? ok.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

I just did a DuckDuckGo search and the above was the first entry.

Did you read it?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Hopefully the next coming years really all still have a June. lol

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

China is already by far Japan's No.1 trading partner so I can't seen any reason for Japan not to approve it. 

How about a chinese government official himself saying that the vaccine wasn't that effective? How about Sinopharm themselves saying it was only 79% effective? That would seem like a very logical reasons, unless you're really into pants-on-head crazy conspiracy theories :)

8 ( +8 / -0 )

As for the effectiveness of the Sputnik vaccine, Gam-COVID-Vac, which has been previously advanced by individual(s) on this site as a magical & superior drug

I don't think it's magical but is certainly far superior to the Big Pharma concoctions. Being cheaper and much easier to deploy is a nice bonus but I very much doubt Japan will approve it for political reasons. This being so, I hope they get the second best vaccine which is made by Sinopharm. China is already by far Japan's No.1 trading partner so I can't seen any reason for Japan not to approve it. Any logical reason. There is the matter of Japan being occupied and government with limited power to make decisions themselves. But this should be something they can decide so I'm wondering if some or most individuals on decision making body have a financial interest in Big Pharma.

-12 ( +0 / -12 )

Of course he is. The Hungarian health ministry records and publishes data you don't like but it doesn't matter because the President is a wannabe dictator. That's better than @Booby Fosse who refuses to look at the data.

What? Where is that data exactly? Because the only thing posted here, by a man called "Alex", is an article that stated:

*During Thursday’s government press conference, Gulyás claimed that a third dose of Sinopharm’s vaccine is not necessary, despite the existence of reports that two doses have not provided effective resistance to the virus. It must also be remembered that there is no relevant proof to back up Gulyás’ claims, and a Chinese official has even said that there are problems with efficacy among Chinese vaccines.*

So what are those Hungarian health ministry records, exactly? The hungarians themselves don't seem to belive them, by the way.

As far as I know, they don't have Big Pharma. The medical industry isn't for profit. I know in this case the vaccines were created by state owned institutions.

So what you're telling me is that you're more inclined to trust medical industries exclusively run by two communist totalitarian governments over companies from western democracies ruled by peer reviews and the invisible hand of the market? That's really what you're saying right now? Because that seems insane.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

marcelito, yup I agree that it’s a better excuse for Australia and New Zealand than it is for Japan. But for all its faults, Japan hasn’t yet seen such bad breakouts as elsewhere, fortunately. One saving grace, probably more due to the culture of the citizenry here than the useless politicians.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

You have no reliable data. None. Nothing.

Of course. The data is concealed from you in Google News and Google searches.

https://www.tayyar.org/News/World/411701/Official-Statistics-Show-Sputnik-V-Safest-Vaccine-Used-in-Hungary

I just did a DuckDuckGo search and the above was the first entry.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

Viruses tend to weaken as they transform, because in a weaker form they are likely to spread more easily. This IS how virus' evolve aka mutate and spread, as mentioned above. It is not an opinion, it is a fact within the science of virology & immunology. And was apparent with a strain in Arizona, almost a year ago that was a variant and less virulent, but more contagious.

The data in actual scientific studies shows the present vaccines are still working against the variants - that is scientific fact, not someone's opinion posted on a blog. The individual touting Brazil as a counter example ignores the means and nature of the initial response to the virus in Brazil, which was irresponsible and resulted in a widespread & high infection rate.

As for the effectiveness of the Sputnik vaccine, Gam-COVID-Vac, which has been previously advanced by individual(s) on this site as a magical & superior drug: The downside of recombinant adenovirus-based vaccines is that large doses are required, typically 1010 or 1011 particles, which makes large demands on the manufacturing and quantitation required for rollout on a global scale. There is nothing in Phase III studies that indicate it is a superior vaccine, though it is effective and is similar to the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

My theory is that countries that were hit harder by the virus have been more successful with vaccination drives thanks to a greater sense of urgency - as at least one factor.

Now that is a very good Theory, just need to look at Japan, Australia and New Zealand all dragging their feet on vacations.

But now with more contagious variants it seems all 3 may be in for a rude awakening.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I think they said "at least" 6 times more effective. So Sun Tsu let's do the math, shall we? If 2.6% of people who have had both shots of Sputnik V still get infected...... 2.6 x 6 = ...... what?

That is not how you calculate efficacy, all the vaccines currently being used in the general population have around the same degree of efficacy, and minor differences in safety (none has problems that would make non-vaccinating an option). Some vaccines already have data coming from dozens of countries, other not, and that is reflected on their evaluations. The longer they are used the more complete the information and the closer the numbers will reflect their true efficacy and safety.

"Big pharma" is just an excuse for people that don't like what the scientific and medical community have to say, so they make up the term as if that could include everyone that vouch for the safety and efficacy of the available vaccines, it does not. It would be as simple as first making up your mind about a few institutions that you would not consider "Big pharma", and see what are their official positions about vaccines. Obviously if you cannot find any examples of recognized medical or scientific institutions that do not belong to the conspiracy according to you that would be enough to prove it is just an excuse.

15 ( +19 / -4 )

I can totally see the government vaccinating exactly one single person under 65 at the end of July and nobody else for the rest of the year and still bragging about it.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Come on Japan speed things up you are supposed to be a First World Country

Well New Zealand is in equally poor shape, and seems to be many’s favorite government these days.

My theory is that countries that were hit harder by the virus have been more successful with vaccination drives thanks to a greater sense of urgency - as at least one factor.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Good luck with the plan. I have no intention of having the vaccine but good news for those who would like to have one.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

Regardless, Japan is taking forever to approve Novavax

Rolf, Novavax hasn't been approved in its home country or anywhere.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

A possible July timeframe quoted from only a minister? I’ll only believe it when Suga makes such a claim, then I know for sure it’d start no sooner than August.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

July is the time when there is no available hospital beds due to yearly heat attack. Staff are stretched. I speak from experience as twice had heat attack in July and was put on a drip. I had to wait for ages, and after the drip infusion was finished, pushed out quickly.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

NorthernlifeToday  06:57 am JST

Come on Japan speed things up you are supposed to be a First World Country..I bet all the politicians have been vaccinated the scum....

Agree entirely with the sentiments of your comment but to call "all" politicians "scum" is way OTT.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

@ Obladi 07:21 “Question is, by the time we get the vaccine, will it still protect us from the most infectious virus variant?”

You need to read a little more. All Warp Speed vaccines protect from all strains and not one person who took the vaccine has died from Covid. 100% effective. Three are many vaccines which have much worse profiles that do the Covid-10 vaccine. Take it easy and show the nurse your deltoid.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

SlickdrifterToday  09:14 am JST

At age 38, I work at (ALT Interact).

Contacts Influenza B with in the BOE meeting. Brings me to my knees. (Treatment)-Tami flu. I wanted to die.

At age 45. I work at (Japan Ferrari as a MODIS Operator. ) Contracts Influenza A from my son.

Age 50. currently with Porsche Japan and other things. Contacts COVID-19 Virus. Strain unknown.

Way too much personal information here, I doubt that any of the companies mentioned will be overly happy about this.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

@obladi Question is, by the time we get the vaccine, will it still protect us from the most infectious virus variant?

It all depends on how similar the new variants' spike proteins are to the original. There is an equally interesting yet frightening discussion of this question with Geert Vanden Bossche on Bret Weinstein's DarkHorse podcast. Bossche (who, just to be clear, is pro-vaccination and spent three years as senior program officer for vaccine discover at the Bill and Melidnda Gates Foundation) argues that mass vaccination campaigns during a pandemic introduce evolutionary pressure favoring new more infectious variants that existing vaccines will eventually be ineffective at combating. He presents a logical argument but, just how things play out in the real world, we'll just have to wait and see.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Ok but I thought that Japan was already over promising on the medical staffs they can have to support the Olympics so I wonder how they can accelerate vaccination in parallel

due to the shortage of hospital that can have covid19 patients everything collapse in Tokyo and Osaka as soon as 100 people needs an ICU but yet by July an army of doctors and nurses will pop up to vaccinate us and take care of the athletes.

https://japantoday.com/category/sports/tokyo-seeks-10-000-medical-staff-for-olympics-despite-virus-surge

3 ( +5 / -2 )

So this is a vaccine supply problem. I guess as other countries get their populations vaccinated, the excess can be distributed to other countries.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

...may start in July...

...If the government...

Too many forward-looking statements and too little action.

Meanwhile the number of vaccinations in the last three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) has been exactly ZERO.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

@Slickdrifter

Nice story.

Now look up:

Canadian Olympic gold medallist now struggling to breathe after contracting COVID-19

He is 31 in better health than nearly everyone and now in hospital on oxygen.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Funny that no one is talking about that

Actually it has been in the news everywhere including Japan.

The fact is Japan has all the ingredients it needs,

The facts are Daichi Sankyo and Takeda have already started producing both AZ and Novavax.

The facts are Japan is taking a very long time to approve both and Moderna ( just the other day the government said no approval until at least mid May).

So at this point the excuse of EU/USA blocking ( both legitimate claims/problems) is no longer the real problem.

If Japan needs more Vaccine all it has to do is approve AZ and Novavax as both Daichi Sankyo and Takeda already have produced millions of doses.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

You know, I have so many questions.

I have COVID, had COVID. (neutralized COVID)????

Lets grade this and really think of it.

At age 38, I work at (ALT Interact).

Contacts Influenza B with in the BOE meeting. Brings me to my knees. (Treatment)-Tami flu. I wanted to die.

At age 45. I work at (Japan Ferrari as a MODIS Operator. ) Contracts Influenza A from my son. (Treatment)-That inhaler. Both of us. It was very mild for us both. I was Okay very quickly. I remember my son saying Daddy daijobu ne.

Age 50. currently with Porsche Japan and other things. Contacts COVID-19 Virus. Strain unknown. Point of contact unknown but suspect Kurume Youme town. No symptoms, No sickness. Does one take in the vaccine now? So many questions. I felt like Moabdeeb in Dune. Fear is the mind killer. How much of this is fear based?

So many questions now.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Geez, new day, same doom and gloom.

Frankly, authorities do not seem overly concerned with the pace of the vaccination. There is excess supply around the world and surely Japan could administer it quickly if the situation were so dire.

Many seem to think Japan is in a COVID crisis, but here is some data: Japan's mortality rate went DOWN in 2020; there are currently 50 people hospitalized with COVID in Tokyo- that is a rounding error for one of the world's largest cities compared to a number that should cause serious alarm.

Authorities know that unless the "Japan variant" evolves into the Black Plague, Japan is fine.

I am guessing they are slow-walking administering the vaccine to its citizens. This buys them time to better understand the potential risks of a vaccine developed in record time.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

May Start.

In July.

I don't think satirical websites could make headlines as comically tragic as this.

Well the good news is most of the civilized world will be finished with their vaccines before Japan starts, so at least they won't have as much to worry about compared to us here. I will be stunned if the rollout happens this summer. I don't even expect to get my vaccine before next spring at the absolute earliest.

@Simplefacts

Even taking all of that at face value, Japan's issue is different. They have vaccine doses secured, they just aren't using them. Their issue is mostly logistical, not political. Except for the bit where the politicians are staggeringly inept.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

So that means you refuse to do a Google News search for "Sputnik V Hungary"? 

Maybe google are covering it up. Should I use DuckDuckGo?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Paul, you do realise a senior Chinese official let it slip that it isn’t very effective? Which is probably why they have refused to let anyone see the trials data.

I realise none of this will make a blind bit of difference to your entrenched tunnel vision views. I just wondered what your bonus % is for selling these vaccines, cos I doubt you are making much!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

That's why I didn't post the link. I knew someone would say that. 

"I didn't post the link because I knew someone would tell me it's completely wrong!!!". Best argument ever :)

9 ( +11 / -2 )

The link stating that Sputnik is 6 times more effective was posted on the TASS Russian News Agency, known to be 100% Russian propaganda.

Here you go:

https://hungarytoday.hu/chinese-vaccine-hungary-gergely-gulyas-sputnik-v-government-press-conference/

2 ( +4 / -2 )

 Did you continue reading the next entry?

We all have different recommended articles I guess, because the one I had was this:

https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-sinopharm-vaccine-professional-political-debate/

The Chinese Sinopharm vaccine is yet again at the center of dispute in Hungary after several press reports surfaced around its alleged low effectiveness. Opposition politicians are demanding transparency from the Orbán government and to release all available information regarding the vaccine. Meanwhile, several experts call for antibody studies to clarify the issue.

What's your point?

My point is that Victor Orban is a wannabe dictator trying to troll western democracies, but most of hungarians aren't falling for it. Also, my point is that you're dealing in pure propaganda based on invented facts.

When I did a Google News search for "Sputnik V Hungary" one entry said Sputnik V is as much as 7 times more effective than Pfizer's (dud) concoction. 

And what exactly was that "entry"? Was is from a reputable source or from Russia's news agency?

Big Pharma once again charging top $ but bringing up the rear. 

And can you tell us exactly what the difference between western "big pharma" and russian/chinese "big pharma" is?

5 ( +11 / -6 )

The link stating that Sputnik is 6 times more effective was posted on the TASS Russian News Agency, known to be 100% Russian propaganda.

That's why I didn't post the link. I knew someone would say that. That data is specific. No editorial material there. All numbers. But as you no doubt saw, TASS wasn't the only publication reporting the data, was it?

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

@Paul

The link stating that Sputnik is 6 times more effective was posted on the TASS Russian News Agency, known to be 100% Russian propaganda. TASS doesn't state sources and doesn't have a single critical article of Putin and his administration.

14 ( +19 / -5 )

CNN? Huh?

Could it be that you are just making stuff up again? Say it ain’t so.

So that means you refuse to do a Google News search for "Sputnik V Hungary"? It's better that way. Just say I'm making it up and sleep easier.

Yeah your "job" is obviously to try to sell chinese and russian vaccines to us. But you're not being very convincing.

Of course. Good boy. The Chinese and Russian vaccines are made by state-owned enterprises. One can't invest in them. The closest thing to investing in them would be to buy Chinese or Russian government bonds.

-15 ( +4 / -19 )

I really hate to use this term, but this is nothing but fake news, intended to make everyone feel that progress is being made to assuage an increasingly angry and impatient public. This Tamura guy should have been fired months ago. It's unbelievable how much ineptitude politicians and bureaucrats can get away with in Japan.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Well its now Day 6 for me since popping a positive result for COVID-19 Antibodies in my system.

Again commending Saga here. They have put me up in a hotel and feed me three times a day, all at the Saga prefectures expense. I am told I can leave the 29th and return home. I consider myself very fortunate and lucky thus far. There are about 20 others here with me and I do not hear anything from their rooms, I have had an opportunity to catch up on my sleep and rest. Eight years perfect attendance at work until now, seems I was a bit tired without knowing. The news seems to be filled with ((((TV news that is)))) with young Japanese people rebelling against the new lock down measures. I guess when you think of it. Many of them moved from rural areas of Japan to be in Osaka or Tokyo to sow them oats. Work- Uni-Freedom-Party-Socialisms and whatever it is young Japanese adults seek on their own for the first time. Now as I am watching these woman being interviewed as I sit at this business hotel desk. TV on to my left waiting for the routine phone call to report vitals toSaga nurses caring for me. The interviewer is asking these two bubble heads on Tele. Why they wont adhere to the curfew and stay inside? These two ditzzies and their response was epic. Stupid little bubble heads. Basically they said in Japanese. We do know about this old persons virus and we do not care and everyone tired of staying inside and not a have a freedom. We are young and if we get sick we can recover quickly. I want to tell these two through the TV... Umm hey its not age dummies. Its, does your body have the abilities to make antibodies to the virus? Do you have the B cells and T cells to fend of the virus with inside you? Do you really want to find out? I want a MOS chicken and chili dog.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Yes, the results are unequivocal: Hungarians don't want to take the sinopharm vaccine.https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-sinopharm-vaccination-campaign/

Good stuff. Did you continue reading the next entry? the results in UAE confirm Sinpharm's safety and efficacy. Many Hungarians have fallen to a Wall Street propaganda campaign. Many haven't. Just like everywhere else. What's your point?

The data the Hungarian authorities put forward is very specific. Insofar as safety and efficacy, #1 vaccine by some margin is Sputnik V. #2 Sinopharm. #3 Pfizer. When I did a Google News search for "Sputnik V Hungary" one entry said Sputnik V is as much as 7 times more effective than Pfizer's (dud) concoction. #4 Moderna. #5 AstraZeneca which has been discontinued.

Big Pharma once again charging top $ but bringing up the rear. It seems it may be more than Japan being occupied. Like some of the body making the decision to go all in for the Pfizer concoction own shares in the company.

-17 ( +4 / -21 )

It's inevitable that governments must prepare for scenarios where the vaccines are ineffective and/or people refuse to be vaccinated thus not reaching herd immunity.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Now is the time for the Japanese Government (AKA The Cabinet) to start planning how they will implement the annual vaccine booster shots being developed by the manufacturers. Don't get left behind a second time!

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

then:

No, it wouldn't. Sputnik V is 97.6% effective and Pfizer vaccine is not close to 91% effective.

Not close to 91% effective? What does that mean? Remember 6 times.

Give us a number. Any will do.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Sure you can't. How hard did you try? If you search the CNN website, you probably won't find the information there.

CNN? Huh?

Could it be that you are just making stuff up again? Say it ain’t so.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

It's not my job to enlighten you unless you are in a high position in the Japanese government.

Yeah your "job" is obviously to try to sell chinese and russian vaccines to us. But you're not being very convincing.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

Links, please.

Do a Google news search for "Sputnik V Hungary". It's not my job to enlighten you unless you are in a high position in the Japanese government.

Oh, I see.

Have a pleasant Monday.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Well that would make it nearly 600% effective.

On the original strain it is 91% effective not much different from Pfizer ( this according to The Lancet).

No, it wouldn't. Sputnik V is 97.6% effective and Pfizer vaccine is not close to 91% effective.

Regardless, Japan is taking forever to approve Novavax, Moderna and AZ. It would take it until next year to approve Sputnik V.

Japan could have a million or more of the second most effective vaccine, Sinopharm by the end of the week.

-20 ( +4 / -24 )

Which year?

"COVID-19 vaccination for those under 65 may start in July: minister"

13 ( +14 / -1 )

Hungary is using the Pfizer vaccine, Sputnik V, Sinopharm and discontinued using AstraZeneca. The results are unequivocal.

Yes, the results are unequivocal: Hungarians don't want to take the sinopharm vaccine.

https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-sinopharm-vaccination-campaign/

Many Hungarians Appear Unwilling to Accept Sinopharm

General practitioners were required to measure by Tuesday how many people they can vaccinate, and how many they need to send to a vaccination point.

According to Telex, the government had even offered to pay Budapest’s family doctors for every Sinopharm vaccination. The news portal has received multiple notices from family doctors in Budapest saying that their patients did not want to accept the Chinese vaccine.

One doctor told Telex that their patients keep bringing up the lack of authorization from the European Medicines Agency when they deny the Chinese vaccine. Another family doctor, Dániel Eörsi, says that he simply cannot recommend it. “Medically,” he says, “we are not really convinced about the vaccine’s effectiveness.”

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

This is a lie and it's getting comical :)

18 ( +20 / -2 )

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

Well that would make it nearly 600% effective.

Ok let's get realistic.

On the original strain it is 91% effective not much different from Pfizer ( this according to The Lancet).

On UK variant it preforms better than most but still below effectiveness than on the original virus.

On the SA it preforms far lower but still better than Pfizer or the others.

It seems this may be due to the fact it is a two-vector vaccine. This means that the vaccine uses two different kinds of adenovirus vectors rAd26 for the first dose, and rAd5 for the second dose. again from Lancet.

BIG but here, none of this test on variants has been confirmed outside Russia.

Regardless, Japan is taking forever to approve Novavax, Moderna and AZ. It would take it until next year to approve Sputnik V.

22 ( +24 / -2 )

Links, please.

Do a Google news search for "Sputnik V Hungary". It's not my job to enlighten you unless you are in a high position in the Japanese government.

6 times? Very specific. You’ll have to help out, I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.

Sure you can't. How hard did you try? If you search the CNN website, you probably won't find the information there.

-24 ( +6 / -30 )

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

6 times? Very specific. You’ll have to help out, I can’t seem to find that information anywhere.

24 ( +26 / -2 )

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

Sinopharm is the second most effective, second safest and cheapest.

Links, please.

22 ( +26 / -4 )

I suspect the non availability of vaccines is a major reason for the glacial speed of roll out in Japan. The causes of that non availability of course is another matter all together!

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

Hungary is using the Pfizer vaccine, Sputnik V, Sinopharm and discontinued using AstraZeneca. The results are unequivocal.

Sputnik V is the safest and most effective. 6 times more effective than the Pfizer vaccine.

Sinopharm is the second most effective, second safest and cheapest.

Pfizer is the least effective, most dangerous and most expensive by some margin.

So Japan goes all out for the Pfizer vaccine. Of course it would. I know Japan is an occupied nation with limited ability to make its own decisions but this is something the government should have been able to decide for itself. So why hasn't it made the logical step? I kind of understand about Sputnik V. Russia and Japan don't have much of a relationship. Not in trade or anything else. But China is already Japan's No.1 trading partner by some distance. What justification is there for not buying the Sinopharm vaccine?

-21 ( +12 / -33 )

Viruses tend to weaken as they transform, because in a weaker form they are more likely to spread more easily. 

That's not what has happened in Brazil, and it seems, from some reports, India too, where the double mutant strain is now rampant. Both strains seem more infectious AND stronger.

The Brazil strain for example is leading to much higher death rates in younger people.

18 ( +21 / -3 )

Half of the population in Japan is over 65. and they say they'll vaccine all within the month of July.

Such an odyssey.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

One word:

Incompetent!

28 ( +29 / -1 )

@obladi

Question is, by the time we get the vaccine, will it still protect us from the most infectious virus variant?

Viruses tend to weaken as they transform, because in a weaker form they are more likely to spread more easily. The data is showing the present vaccines are still working against the variants.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

Regarding the state of emergency that took effect in Tokyo and the western prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo, Tamura said on a different program on public broadcaster NHK that it could be lifted before the scheduled end date of May 11

Slow down turbo! Didn't they just start the SOE, and they are already talking about ending it early? Please tell me if I am wrong...

25 ( +26 / -1 )

All talk, no action.

31 ( +35 / -4 )

Question is, by the time we get the vaccine, will it still protect us from the most infectious virus variant?

24 ( +26 / -2 )

why is it so slow? Ingrained stupidity. If a municipality has 10,000 shots but needs 2,000 more, they will wait until they get the extra shots before starting vaccinations. Something about being seen to be fair for all? Rather than just beginning and getting it started.

29 ( +33 / -4 )

On NHK news, there is an article about how the government is talking with health providers to get their cooperation to administer the vaccines after normal working hours and on weekends. Yes! Still in discussion. Is this not a pandemic that is causing suffering for especially the more precarious members of society, especially the 30+% working poor? Only in the parallel universe of Japanese governance would this be an issue.

22 ( +25 / -3 )

It “may start in July”-I’m not holding my breath...

30 ( +34 / -4 )

Regarding the state of emergency that took effect in Tokyo and the western prefectures of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo, Tamura said on a different program on public broadcaster NHK that it could be lifted before the scheduled end date of May 1

That would be nice!

-14 ( +6 / -20 )

... may start in July ...

Followed by delays in late July, August, and September due to the Olympics and Paralympics.

30 ( +31 / -1 )

Why is it so slow?

36 ( +43 / -7 )

The plan is: “No plan, still “talking”.

- “The rollout may begin in July depending on the availability of supplies, ...Tamura said the govt will consult experts if needed, but stopped short of elaborating.” -

18 ( +23 / -5 )

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