Elderly people to get dual COVID-19 booster shots

The next round of vaccine for COVID-19 will be offered to older people and those at higher risk for developing severe symptoms starting on May 8.

A second booster program in fiscal 2023 will start in September, the health ministry said on March 7.

While everyone 12 and older will be eligible for the September vaccine, the spring program will only be offered to people 65 and older, those with pre-existing health conditions and front-line health and care workers.

Vaccines targeting the original and Omicron variants of the virus, which were rolled out in autumn 2022, are available until May 7.

From May 8 to September, the dual vaccines will not be available for those subject to two shots, including elderly people.

The health ministry encourages those who want to get the dual vaccines to do so while they are still available.

On March 8, Vaccinations using bivalent boosters for 5 to 11 year-old children started.