The third batch of Pfizer Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Japan on Monday as the country prepares to expand its inoculation program for health care workers.

The shipment of up to 526,500 doses of the Pfizer shot, the first vaccine against the novel coronavirus that Japan has approved for use, was delivered to Narita Airport from Belgium, where they were produced.

Including the shipment, the government has said it will receive up to 2.66 million doses, with six shots taken from a single vaccine bottle, in March alone.