Japan has approved the COVID-19 vaccines produced by Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) and by AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN) in conjunction Oxford University, for people aged over 18.
Japan has so far only vaccinated around 2% of its population of 125mln, using the Pfizer jab.
READ: AstraZeneca vaccine up to 90% effective 'real-life data' indicates
The Moderna vaccine will initially be given to those aged over 65 while there was no timeline given for use of the AstraZeneca shot.
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare granted approval based on positive Phase III efficacy and safety data from the Oxford University-led clinical trial programme in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, and a Phase I/II trial in Japan.
Production of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in Japan is already underway, and the first doses are expected to be available in the coming weeks, the company said.
The vaccine, now called Vaxzevria, will be administered in two doses given four to 12 weeks apart. The authorities advised having an interval longer than eight weeks to maximise its efficacy.
The jab has been granted a conditional marketing authorisation or emergency use in more than 80 countries across six continents and has also received Emergency Use Listing from the World Health Organization, which accelerates the pathway to access in up to 142 countries through the COVAX Facility, though some countries have restricted or dropped Vaxzevria from their vaccine roll-outs due to concerns about rare instances of blood clots.
** Adds detail **