Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary on vaccine roll-out

Japan's first coronavirus shots were given to health workers Wednesday, beginning a vaccination campaign considered crucial to holding alrey delayed Tokyo Olympics.  progress campaign might make is uncertain, however, in a country concerned about possible shorts of imported vaccines and where people are often reluctant to take vaccines due to worries of side effects.

Katsubu Kato, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary said on Wednesday at a press conference, "we would like to make efforts so that people can be vaccinated with a peace of mind."

massive drive comes after government gave its belated first approval Sunday for shots developed and supplied by Pfizer, which have been used in many or countries since December.

Japan fell behind after it asked Pfizer to conduct clinical tests with Japanese people in dition to company's earlier tests in six or nations. But officials say it was necessary to dress concerns of many Japanese about safety in a country kwn for low vaccine confidence.

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.

Im: AP