Japan begins COVID-19 vaccination drive amid supply worry

Japan's first coronavirus shots were given to health workers Wednesday, beginning vaccination campaign considered crucial to holding alrey delayed Tokyo Olympics.  government gave its belated first approval for shots developed and supplied by Pfizer shots, alrey been used in many or countries since December.

Supplies of imported vaccines are a major concern because of supply shorts and restrictions in Europe, where many are manufactured. Some of 40,000 doctors and nurses from 100 selected hospitals across country received ir first shots Wednesday, with ir second shot planned for March 10. Half will participate in a 7-week health survey.

Iculations of 3.7 million more health workers will begin in March, followed by about 36 million people d 65 and older starting in April. People with underlying health issues, as well as caregivers at nursing homes and or facilities, will be next, before general population receives its turn.   2020 Tokyo Olympics are to begin in July.

Im: AP