But officials say it was necessary to address the concerns of many Japanese about safety in a country known for low vaccine confidence. Supplies of imported vaccines are a major concern because of supply shortages and restrictions in Europe, where many are manufactured. Supplies of imported vaccines will determine the progress of vaccination drive in Japan, the country's vaccine minister Taro Kono said Tuesday. A first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine that arrived last Friday is enough for 40,000 doctors and nurses from 100 selected hospitals across the country, Kono said. Inoculations of 3.7 million more health workers will begin in March, followed by about 36 million people aged 65 and older starting in April.

Source: ABC News February 17, 2021 00:32 UTC