Okinawa Times reported on Saturday that the GOJ has conveyed to the U.S. military its concern about the idea of administering coronavirus vaccines to Japanese base workers since the GOJ has not yet authorized the emergency use of any COVID-19 vaccines. According to the article, the U.S. military has asked Japanese employees if they would like to be vaccinated. Following a query about the military’s proposal submitted by the base workers’ union, the Defense Ministry, in consultation with the Health Ministry and other relevant GOJ agencies, reportedly told the U.S. military not to go ahead with vaccinating Japanese employees by citing possible side effects. The U.S. military has reportedly acknowledged Japan’s concern and is unlikely to administer vaccines to them.