Sci-Tech | Sep 13

Japan approves coronavirus vaccine aimed at Omicron

Sep 13 (NHK) - Japan has approved the use of coronavirus vaccines that target Omicron for people aged 12 or older who have received their first two shots.

The so-called bivalent vaccines, made by US drug makers Pfizer and Moderna, are designed to target the initial coronavirus strain and the BA.1 Omicron subvariant. It is also expected to be effective against the prevailing BA.5 type.

A panel of experts at the health ministry on Monday cleared the use of the vaccines. This comes after Pfizer and Moderna both applied for authorization in August.

The decision allows people 12 years or older to receive an additional shot of the Pfizer jab, and people 18 or older to get a Moderna booster at least five months after their most recent shots.

The ministry expects around 68.5 million people to be eligible for the Omicron-targeting jab by October.

Elderly people and healthcare workers will be among the first to receive the booster in a campaign set to kick off as early as next Monday. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH


MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

A study led by the University of Tokyo using medical data from the United States has found that women patients experience lower mortality rates and other health benefits when treated by female doctors compared to male doctors.

An initiative led by Japan's Information-Technology Promotion Agency has seen the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Germany aimed at mutual data sharing concerning electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

A new service that allows household appliances to communicate the status of personal vehicles through voice alerts has been unveiled by Nissan Motor Co. and Panasonic.

POPULAR NEWS

Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Starting this Saturday, 'SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024' begins a month-long showcase of Japan's advanced technologies, featuring attractions such as self-driving carts styled as futuristic floats and projection mapping installations, all available to the public for free.

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

A private organization has revealed that approximately 40% of the national municipalities, totaling 744, could potentially disappear by 2050 due to declining populations.

FOLLOW US