With half of Japan vaccinated, what's next for the vaccine rollout? w/ Lisa Du

Episode 99,   Sep 08, 2021, 10:00 AM

Lisa Du, a reporter at Bloomberg’s Tokyo bureau, joins us to give an update on Japan’s vaccine rollout and the challenges ahead.

If you were in Japan back in February, when the Pfizer vaccine was first approved, you’ll remember the frustratingly slow pace of the vaccine rollout, as many other countries around the world ramped up their vaccine programs at speed. 

The slow pace continued through to the start of summer, but in August Japan distributed its 100 millionth dose of vaccine, and almost 50% of the country is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Later this month, Japan is set to pass the U.S. when it comes to the percentage of its citizens fully vaccinated. 

Of course there are still many people who have yet to receive a vaccine and it is vital that they do, but with around 1 million shots being given each day, Japan will soon be in the position where everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one.

Read more:
On this episode:
Lisa Du: Twitter | Articles
Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

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Photo: A health care worker administers a dose of the Moderna Inc. Covid-19 vaccine in the city of Saitama last month. | BLOOMBERG