Tokyo, Sep 21 (TIWN) Japan will begin to inoculate the elderly with the third dose of a Covid-19 jab early next year, as the country seeks to better deal with the spread of more infectious variants, Vaccination Minister Taro Kono said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare decided last week to give booster shots to people who have gone at least eight months since receiving their second dose, citing studies that show antibodies that protect against the virus decrease over time.  Medical personnel are expected to start getting their booster shots within this year, Kono told a news conference, as they were the first to be vaccinated in Japan starting in February.  The vaccine rollout expanded to people aged 65 and older in the spring, followed by those with underlying conditions such as diabetes and then finally the general population.  Kono called on local governments to begin preparations to ensure the smooth delivery of third doses to the elderly.