A Japanese health ministry panel approved a plan Wednesday to allow a fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot to initially be given to senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions.
The panel stated that the fourth jabs of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines would be administered to the eligible recipients five months after they have received their third shot.
Those eligible for the extra booster shot would comprise seniors aged 60 years old or over and would also include those older than 18 who suffer from certain underlying medical conditions.
“We will examine the scope of coverage while looking at future evidence and the infection situation.’’
Takaji Wakita, head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and leader of the panel, was quoted as saying at a meeting.
The panel, while saying the extra jab would be free, also said the fourth shot might be made available to a wider demographic in the future.