TOKYO, Feb. 3, 2021―It was hardly a surprise when Taro Kono, Japan’s Covid-19 vaccination minister, told a Feb. 2 news conference that vaccine supply schedules to Japan ― probably referring to Pfizer vaccines ― have not been fixed in response to the European Union’s vaccine export regulations to clear all EU member consent. What was surprising was the Japanese vaccine minister’s blatant media gag request.
For weeks, prime minister Yoshihide Suga’s administration has been stoking public expectations for vaccinations to start from February, first to medical workers and then senior citizens. Kono said earlier that Pfizer vaccine program would start from February, then he very recently revised his comment and said the start would be no earlier than April 1.
But on April 2, he told reporters, ‘The EU has explained to us that they will make their best efforts but that the supply schedules for Japan are not fixed yet.’ On Jan. 29, the EU announced that it would require member countries’ approval for exporting Covid-19 vaccines manufactured in the region, including Pfizer products.
Even though over the weekend, the fact that it took nearly 5 days for Kono to announce the virtual indefinite postponement underscored the poor communication between him and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as well as possible overnighting of duties on the part of the Japanese diplomatic missions in Brussels.
Kono admitted at the same news conference that Japan’s vaccine distribution schedules are being delayed by the EU’s measure and apologized to local governments standing by for supplies, according to Japanese media reports.
The national broadcasting station, NHK, Feb. 2 quoted Kono as asking the media ‘to refrain from covering and reporting’ vaccine supplies from overseas for what he described as ‘security viewpoints.’
Kono made the comment in response to a Fuji TV report earlier that the first parcel of Pfizer vaccines is expected to be delivered to Japan on Feb. 14.
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