Japan's MHLW Expert Panel Approves Pfizer's Bivalent Omicron BA.5 COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Aged 5–11

According to Nikkei and Kyodo News, on the evening of February 27, the expert panel of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved the use of Pfizer, Inc.'s bivalent vaccine targeting the Omicron BA.5 strain for children aged 5-11. Vaccines addressing the Omicron strain are currently only used in Japan as booster shots for individuals who have received two or more doses. A Japanese government official stated that further discussions will be held on whether to approve its use for initial vaccinations based on circumstances observed overseas.