The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry held a subcommittee meeting regarding the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday to discuss who would be given priority to receive the inoculation. The subcommittee generally agreed on a proposal to prioritize those who have at least one of 14 types of preexisting conditions, such as chronic heart disease, after health care workers and the elderly.
To reduce the burden on medical institutions, documents proving a preexisting condition will not be necessary, however, self-reporting will be required. Each municipality is preparing to set up a vaccination system by the end of February 2021.
The subcommittee discussed who would fall under the category of the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. It was decided the elderly would be those aged 65 and older, which includes about 36 million residents. It was also decided those who have at least one of 14 types of preexisting conditions, including chronic heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, would be prioritized.
As about 8.2 million residents between ages 20 to 64 are expected to have these preexisting conditions, people will be required to fill out a form in advance to confirm their health issues.
The vaccination system will be established in late March to early April 2021 for the elderly, and April 2021 or later for those with preexisting conditions.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry explained the vaccination process and handling of the vaccine to local governments on Dec. 18. The first priority will be to inoculate about 10,000 medical workers, including doctors and nurses. This system will be established by the end of February 2021. After the first group, the vaccinations will be gradually carried out, and about 50 million residents will be given priority to receive the inoculation.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
