The government is planning to secure enough shots of the vaccine, developed by
The elderly, who compose around 29 percent the population, tend to develop more serious symptoms than younger people when infected with the virus.
"We will work to complete (the vaccination program for the elderly) as soon as possible," Prime Minister
The vaccinations come amid growing concern about a resurgence of infections in some areas, including
The central government has designated prefectures with surging cases as requiring tough measures to control the spread of the virus, but it has stopped short of declaring a third state of emergency, apparently hoping not to complicate efforts to host the postponed
The torch relay for the
With an increasing strain on the medical system amid a resurgence of infections, there is concern that doctors and nurses may not be able to keep up with the vaccination schedule.
On Monday, local governments in at least 39 of the nation's 47 prefectures were scheduled to start vaccinating elderly residents at clinics as well as facilities such as public halls and gymnasiums, according to a
Vaccine deliveries to all of
It is expected that the rollout will rev up from the final week of April, when all of the 1,741 municipalities in
The
Elderly people from villages to cities expressed relief at having received their shots.
At a clinic in Kitaaiki in the central
"All the worry that I carried inside my head is gone," he said after showing no adverse reaction following his shot.
His daughter-in-law, Yumiko, 67, was vaccinated next. She said that her daughters, who reside in the
"I hope that (as we have) taken this vaccine, my daughters will be able to visit," she said with a smile.
In Hachioji, a city in
"I thought it would hurt more, but it wasn't the case. I am thankful that I was one of the first," said
In
A home for victims of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing in the city is planning to vaccinate around 300 residents within three days.
"Those vaccinated seemed relieved. We would like to start considering how to resume family visits which have been suspended due to the pandemic," said
The vaccination rate in
Following the elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, and those working at elderly care facilities are slated to be inoculated next, after which vaccinations will eventually be extended to the rest of the population.
==Kyodo
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