Society | Oct 27

Health officials advise early flu vaccinations

Japanese health officials are urging people in all age groups to get influenza shots amid concerns about simultaneous outbreaks of flu and coronavirus infections.

Demand for flu vaccine is expected to surge this winter. The health ministry advised that people aged 65 or older should be given flu shots first from October 1.

Starting on Monday, the ministry is advising other age groups to get vaccinated, saying a certain number of elderly people have already taken the step.

Ministry officials are urging medical workers, people with preexisting conditions, pregnant women and children ranging from six months old to second graders to get vaccinated early.

The officials say flu vaccines for more than 66 million adults are expected to be supplied this season. That's about 2.8 million doses more than the initial estimate.

Health minister Tamura Norihisa told reporters that his ministry has secured more flu vaccine than last winter. But he said there's a gap between supply and demand, as many people are making reservations earlier than usual. He said the ministry will try to make flu vaccines evenly available across the country.

Source: ANNnewsCH


MORE Society NEWS

Last year saw a record-breaking 1,963 prohibition orders issued in Japan under the Stalking Control Law, marking the highest number to date.

Currently, there's a rapid increase in individuals suffering from "spring fatigue." You might be affected without even realizing it.

The emergence of the Gifu butterfly, a harbinger of spring, has commenced once again this year in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture.

POPULAR NEWS

JAXA has announced the revival of the unmanned explorer "SLIM" following its successful hibernation after making Japan's first moon landing. The probe successfully endured a second lunar night, a period during which temperatures can drop to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius.

As more people keep pets indoors, there has been a call for caution regarding unexpected pet behavior leading to fire accidents.

Seven-Eleven have extended the expiry date of its hand-rolled onigiri (rice balls), including salmon, plum, kelp, spicy cod roe, and tuna mayonnaise varieties.

The Japanese government finalized a new strategy on Wednesday aimed at the development of next-generation domestic aircraft, including initiatives for eco-friendly aviation technologies.

During a visit to Mie Prefecture, Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, immersed herself in the rich tapestry of Japan's past at a museum within the sacred precincts of Ise Shrine on Wednesday morning.

FOLLOW US