Sankei predicted that the GOJ is set to look into the possibility of administering COVID-19 booster shots to fully vaccinated people next year in view of the rapid spread of the Delta strain. The GOJ has secured 50 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine for delivery next year and is negotiating with Takeda Pharmaceutical for the delivery of 150 million doses of the Novavax product. As some physicians are concerned about the possibility of serious side effects from a third dose, the Health Ministry will carefully study the results of the booster shot programs that have already begun in Israel and will commence shortly in Germany and the UK in order to ascertain their safety and effectiveness.