In response to the introduction of the replicon COVID-19 vaccine in Japan, concerns and unsubstantiated rumors have surfaced regarding its safety and potential risks. The replicon vaccine works by creating self-copies of mRNA within cells to temporarily increase mRNA levels, leading to fears and misinformation about the possibility of transmitting virus components. Despite health minister Takamaro Fukuoka's assurance that there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims, skepticism and unease persist among the public.
Some businesses, like a hair salon in Gunma Prefecture, have taken matters into their own hands by deciding to deny entry to individuals who have been inoculated with the replicon vaccine. The salon owner, influenced by information from social media and books, expressed a lack of trust in government and media sources for not adequately addressing potential vaccine drawbacks. Similarly, a hot yoga studio chain named LAVA and a dental clinic in Tokyo have also implemented restrictions, urging replicon vaccine users to stay away from their premises until the vaccine's safety is confirmed due to concerns fueled by external sources.
The lack of clear communication and information dissemination regarding the replicon vaccine has led to confusion and hesitancy among both the general public and certain businesses. While the government and health ministry have emphasized the safety and mechanics of the vaccine, doubts and anxieties persist, causing establishments and medical facilities to take precautionary measures based on external sources of information. Experts in infectious diseases, like Professor Junichiro Nishi, have emphasized the importance of consulting reliable sources and seeking expert advice to address concerns and fears related to the replicon vaccine.