An Announcement about the COVID-19 Vaccine

Information current as of: March 25

About the Effective Expiration Dates of COVID-19 Vaccines
The effective periods of both the Pfizer Inc. and Takeda-Moderna Inc. vaccines have been extended. Furthermore, although the effective expiration date may be as written on the vaccine sticker at the time of vaccination before the extension, the vaccine will retain its effectiveness, so please do not worry.

● About the Effective Period of the Pfizer Inc. Vaccine
The effective period of Pfizer Inc. vaccines stored at a temperature between -90 degrees and -60 degrees Celsius has been extended from six months to nine months.
For example, vaccines with an effective expiration date of “February 28, 2022” printed on the vaccine sticker will be effective for an additional three months.

● About the Effective Period of the Takeda-Moderna Inc. Vaccine
The effective period of Takeda-Moderna Inc. vaccines stored at a temperature of -20 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 5 degrees Celsius, has been extended from six months to nine months. The effective period of the Takeda-Moderna Inc. vaccine is not printed on the vaccine sticker.
Note: Some vaccines have had their effective periods extended from six months up to between seven and nine months.

About Mixing Vaccines
Receiving a booster (third) injection of a COVID-19 vaccine produced by a different company than the first and second injections (mixing vaccines) has been recognized as safe and effective.

● Effects of Receiving a Third Injection Different Than the First Two Injections
Results have been announced of studies conducted in the United Kingdom where various vaccines were administered for the third injection. Antibodies increased enough both for those who received Pfizer Inc. vaccines for their first, second and third injections and for those who received Pfizer Inc. vaccines for their first and second injections but Takeda-Moderna Inc. for the third injection.

Information provided in “An Announcement Concerning the Vaccine Used in the Booster Vaccine (third injection)” on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Inquiries: Shinagawa Coronavirus Vaccination Call Center
Tel: 03-6633-2433, Fax: 03-6684-4845