Japan's health minister says the efficacy of Pfizer vaccine was endorsed by a ministry panel, paving the way for a final approval within days.Health Minister Norihisa Tamura says a formal approval is expected Sunday.
The vaccine is already administered in the US and many other countries since December.Also Read | India speeds up vaccination driveVaccines are considered key to holding the delayed Olympics this summer.
Japan is expected to receive 144 million doses from Pfizer, 120 million from AstraZeneca and about 50 million from Moderna before the end of this year, enough to cover its population.Japan must rely on imports, many subject to the EU's export control, and a cause for concern about supplies.