Message from the Mayor about improving vaccination rate among younger residents (2022.4.7)
Last updated date：2022/4/7
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I would like to talk a little bit about what we are doing to help raise (COVID-19) booster vaccination rates among younger residents.
First, if we look at the breakdowns of new infections by age group, we can see the numbers for “under 10,” “10-19,” and “20-30.” The age groups outlined in red -- under 10, 10-19, 20-30, and 30-40 -- currently account for 65% of the total number of cases.
As we look at vaccination rates by age group in Yokohama, we see numbers for residents from age 10 through 50 and above, but the rates for those aged 10-19, 20-29, and 30-39 are not considered high enough. While over 80% of residents have completed their second shots, it is a fact that only about 20% have completed their third.
We are considering ways to improve this statistic, and I imagine that low vaccination rates among young people are a challenge facing many cities.
While we recently announced mass vaccination venues using the Pfizer vaccine, in light of data about adverse reactions to the Moderna vaccine, for men ages 18-29, eligibility will be expanded to include women age 18 to 29 as well.
In addition, I have already spoken about late-night and early-morning venues, but I am pleased to report they are operating smoothly. While I believe many cities have difficulties finding health care personnel to run late-night and early-morning venues, we have been fortunate to receive cooperation from Yokohama City University. I have also spoken before about how we have extended reception hours at some mass vaccination venues.
We are currently working diligently to encourage more people to get vaccinated. The Kannai Chuo Building venue in front of Kannai station, which uses the Pfizer vaccine, will accept eligible women ages 18-29 from April 20 through May 20, and we will work to open more venues like this one. Late-night and early-morning venues are currently taking appointments.
This table shows the mass vaccination venues where hours have been extended. We intend to make it possible to get the vaccine during after-work hours. We are also planning to produce a new video to and actively promoting vaccination to young people via digital signage, social media, and other ways. This concludes the update on vaccines.
