Japan: According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese Health Ministry plans to start offering Covid-19 booster shots in December, starting with medical workers. According to the Xinhua news agency, the Ministry held an expert panel meeting on Thursday to discuss the details of administering the booster shots and planned to make an official decision in November.

The efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine changed differently among different age groups five months after the second shot, according to the findings of a US study. In the 16 to 44 age group, efficacy dropped from 89 percent to 39 percent, from 87 percent to 50 percent in the 45 to 64 age group, and from 80 percent to 43 percent in those 65 and older.

The panel urged the Ministry to promote booster shots for the elderly and others at high risk of developing severe cases, as vaccine efficacy is expected to wane over time. The United States provides a third shot to the elderly and those aged 18 or older who may have health problems, while Israel provides a booster vaccine to anyone aged 12 or older who has already received two shots.

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