Japanese people indecisive about COVID-19 vaccine due to potential effects

TOKYO, JAPAN - DECEMBER 11: As the impact of the pandemic on human life and the economy continues in Japan, the public is indecisive against the potential effects of vaccines to be procured from international producers. According to the WHO, more than 50 vaccine candidates against COVID-19 tested clinically, however, no national vaccine candidate has not been approved yet in the country. It has been announced that the vaccine candidate, which the biomedical AnGes company is working on in cooperation with Takara company and Osaka University, has started medium-long term clinical testing. According to local media, Japan is working on plans to begin a mass coronavirus vaccination drive by March as infections hit record levels in the country. The Health Ministry said at least 10,500 freezers will be bought for storage and distribution of vaccines across the country, Kyodo News reported. The immunization campaign will be carried out by local municipality. The authorities are also procuring dry ice and coolers for vaccination centers. The country has set aside $6.4 billion to buy vaccines and signed agreements with Pfizer, Moderna, and the UK’s AstraZeneca. The public will receive vaccines by getting appointments in public health centers, sports halls, show centers, and shopping malls according to where residences are located. Miyake, who works in a logistics company believes that people need to make sure that the coronavirus vaccine is safe noting that "It is not like normal flu vaccine." A retired citizen, Ushioda Takashi points out that there should be a balance between the healthcare system and the economy. Even though his age and fear of the virus, 80-year-old Shuaa said, he will not get vaccinated. Shibuya district resident, Tamura stated that If a successful vaccine is produced, it would be appropriate to spread it to the public.(Footage by Akram Mohammed Muthanna/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)