Japan bracing for tight supply of flu vaccines this winter
Jiji -- Oct 16
Japan may face a shortage of influenza vaccines this winter due to a production delay.

The supply volume is currently projected at some 25.28 million units, equivalent to 50.56 million doses, about 1.14 million units lower than the estimated amount used during the previous flu season and the second-lowest level in 10 years.

The delay in vaccine production came as the National Institute of Infectious Diseases replaced one of the four vaccine strains it selected for this winter, due to slow propagation.

"We ask those aged 13 and over to take only one dose of vaccine this winter, instead of two," a health ministry official said.

Each season, the NIID selects vaccine strains based on its flu projection, and vaccines are made by drug makers using chicken eggs.

News source: Jiji