Japan plans to allow COVID-19 booster shots for anyone who has received two vaccination doses — a stark contrast to other countries offering them only to older people and those with pre-existing conditions.
Tokyo had initially considered giving booster shots only to front-line health workers and older people. But a health ministry panel on Thursday decided that everyone who has had two shots will be eligible, given that research overseas has shown that vaccine efficacy declines to around 50% over a few months.
The panel did not reach a conclusion on whether people will be allowed to mix shots for the booster, for example receiving the Pfizer vaccine after being given Moderna for the first two doses.
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