All networks reported that Prime Minister Suga said at a press conference today that the GOJ will begin preparations to start administering COVID-19 vaccines by the end of February. He reportedly said: “As for vaccination which is the key to containing the outbreak, a pharmaceutical company’s clinical research data on its vaccine was originally going to be available by the end of February. However, as a result of a strong request from the Japanese government to the company’s U.S. headquarters, the data will likely be available by the end of this month. The government will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine based on that data and begin preparations to start administering it by late February if possible.” Suga reportedly added that healthcare workers, elderly people, and employees at elderly care facilities will be vaccinated first.