Japan : All Citizens will be Vaccinated Free-of-Charge

The Japanese government officially finalized the policy on the 30th to exempt all citizens from the cost of new coronavirus vaccination, that is, free inoculation of the new coronavirus vaccine developed in Japan or abroad, and the related expenses are fully borne by the state.

According to a report from the Japan Jiji News Agency on the 30th, many government officials said that the Japanese government plans to ensure the dose for all citizens by the first half of 2021. Related expenses are estimated to exceed 670 billion Japanese Yen. Next week, the government will announce specific guidelines for free vaccines at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Council.

The Japanese government has implemented a free vaccination program, hoping to reduce the burden on the people at this stage so that everyone can get vaccinated quickly. The government also hopes to prepare for the simultaneous outbreak of influenza and new coronary pneumonia after winter.

The new coronary pneumonia vaccine is now in the development stage. According to the practical situation, the Japanese government is conducting supply negotiations with many pharmaceutical companies. At present, it has reached a basic agreement with pharmaceutical companies in the United States and the United Kingdom on providing vaccines. If the vaccine is successfully developed, vaccination can begin at the end of this year, and the relevant medical system must follow up in time.

Japanese media pointed out that vaccination against new coronary pneumonia may not be the same as flu vaccination to obtain lifelong immunity. Therefore, the government needs to consider the possibility of more expenses in next year's budget plan. Whether it will be borne by the individual at that time, the relevant plan needs to be discussed separately.