On Wednesday, Japan passed a new bill under which it will give free coronavirus vaccines to all of its residents.
The bill, which says the government will cover all vaccine costs for Japan’s 126 million residents, was approved by the upper house of parliament, having cleared the powerful lower house.
Japan has signed a deal with Pfizer for 60 million doses of its vaccine, it has also singed a deal with Moderna for another 25 million doses for its people.
It has also confirmed it will receive 120 million doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
The bill comes two weeks after Japan’s prime minister said the country was on maximum alert over the virus, and as medics warn hospitals are on the brink of collapse.
