Japan will ease restrictions on Covid-19 vaccinations for foreign residents, allowing them to receive shots without a Japanese health insurance card starting next month, the government said Friday..
Currently, foreigners without health insurance cards can only get vaccinated at designated medical institutions or through municipalities. The new measure will allow them to get shots at any of the country’s mass vaccination centers..
The change is expected to make it easier for foreign residents to get vaccinated and help Japan reach its goal of fully vaccinating 80% of its population by the end of the year..
“We hope that by easing the restrictions, more foreign residents will get vaccinated and contribute to the creation of a safe and secure society,” Health Minister Norihisa Tamura told a news conference..
The government is also considering providing financial assistance to foreign residents who get vaccinated..
The move comes as Japan struggles to contain a resurgence of Covid-19 cases. The country has reported more than 1 million cases and 15,000 deaths since the pandemic began..
The government has been criticized for its slow vaccine rollout, but it has recently ramped up its efforts. More than 50% of the population is now fully vaccinated..
The easing of restrictions on vaccinations for foreign residents is a welcome step, but more needs to be done to ensure that everyone in Japan has access to the vaccine..
Here are some additional details about the new measure:.
* Foreign residents will be able to get vaccinated at any of Japan’s mass vaccination centers starting on October 1..
* They will need to bring their residence card or passport when they go to get vaccinated..
* They will not be required to pay for the vaccine..
* The government is also considering providing financial assistance to foreign residents who get vaccinated..
If you are a foreign resident in Japan, please consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from Covid-19..
