Cutting It Fine: Can Japan Vaccinations Beat Olympics Cancellation

Japan began its first coronavirus vaccinations Wednesday.

It started inoculating citizens with the Pfizer, Inc. treatment. The first to receive the vaccine were front-line health workers.

While Japan has mostly been able to combat the negative effects of the pandemic on its economy and health care systems, its ability to ensure the Olympic Games will proceed is in question.

Analysts said billions of dollars were at stake should the games be pushed back again. The opening of this year's Olympics - which had already been delayed a year - hinges on the success of the country's vaccination campaign.

The first front-line workers receiving the shots included 40,000 doctors and nurses working with COVID-19 patients. The group is expected to receive second doses by March 10.

Officials are concerned about possible shortages. The doses are being imported. They are also tackling the increased reluctance of people to receive the treatment because of fears of side effects.

Experts said rollout of the vaccine would make it impossible for the country to reach "herd immunity" before the Olympics - which are set for July.

Around 80% of the population thinks the government should cancel or postpone the games because it might increase the spread of the virus, a recent poll said.

Japan has lagged behind other developed countries largely because of delays in regulatory approval. Approval for Pfizer's vaccine was given only on Sunday.

The U.S. began vaccinating Dec. 14 while the UK started inoculating Dec. 8. Continental Europe including Germany, France and Italy started vaccinations late December.

Japan officials said the delay was necessary to address people's concerns.

"I think it is more important for the Japanese government to show the Japanese people that we have done everything possible to prove the efficacy and safety of the vaccine to encourage the Japanese people to take the vaccine," Japanese vaccine Minister Taro Kono said.