Komeito: Ensure vaccines are safe and effective for everyone

February 16 , 2021

Komeito met with health ministry officials on Feb. 15Komeito met with health ministry officials on Feb. 15

On February 15, two Komeito groups—the first tracking COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments led by Michiyo Takagi and the second headed by Kozo Akino, who chairs the party’s healthcare system committee—met with officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to discuss the efficacy and safety of the Pfizer vaccine that was approved for domestic rollout the previous day. The MHLW explained why it set the inoculation age at 16 and above, citing the lack of large-group data both at home and abroad regarding complications for those younger than 16. The ministry added that it would be closely monitoring the effects on pregnant women as well as on those with preexisting conditions and senior citizens in frail health.