A Japanese health ministry panel on Wednesday approved the administration of booster shots of U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccine to people aged 18 and over, starting with medical personnel from December.
The move came as overseas studies showed antibodies that protect against the respiratory disease decrease over time in all age groups, with the effectiveness of vaccines lasting around six months.
After health care workers, individuals who previously received two shots of the Pfizer vaccine and wish to receive the booster shots will become eligible in January.