Japan concerned over EU COVID-19 vaccine supply uncertainty

Japan is concerned about delays in the distribution of European-made coronavirus vaccines an official said Tuesday, as it struggles to obtain enough doses to allow it to host the Olympics this summer. Taro Kono the Cabinet minister in charge of COVID-19 vaccines, said the EU s lack of clarity in its supply schedule is affecting Japan's preparations. “Our vaccine supply schedule has not been finalized even now,” Kono said. Last month, the EU announced export controls on coronavirus vaccines made in the bloc under a so-called transparency mechanism requiring producers to prioritize existing contracts with the EU.