Municipalities with small populations are expected to be able to vaccinate members of the general public against the coronavirus as early as late April, regulatory reform minister Taro Kono indicated in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.
The government is planning to deliver at least about 1,000 doses of vaccine to all municipalities across the nation during the week of April 26. Although priority is given to people aged 65 and older, Kono said in the Monday interview that "some municipalities are expected to start vaccinating the general public if they have a population of 1,000 or less."
Kono's statement emphasized the idea that while many municipalities are likely to be unable to start vaccinations for the general public until this summer or later, small municipalities can move up their own schedule by passing on surplus vaccines to people other than the elderly.
Kono further said that he believes the government "will be able to provide a fairly ample supply of vaccine from the end of the Golden Week holidays in May," and that "we'd like to supply it in keeping with the speed [of vaccinations administered by local governments]."
However, Kono said that negotiations with the EU in May will be crucial, as realizing this plan depends on the export of vaccines from the EU to Japan. He said the EU's current policy of approving exports on a flight-by-flight basis has not been eased.
Regarding preparations for Japanese people being asked for proof of vaccination when they travel overseas, Kono said, "We'd like to be able to provide some kind of proof." He is also considering issuing summaries of individuals' history of infection with the coronavirus and proof of negative PCR test results.
As to China's policy of prioritizing visas for foreigners who have been vaccinated with vaccines made in China, Kono said Japan "should be wary of that" and keep China in check, as it is trying to strengthen its diplomatic influence through vaccines.
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