Pfizer Inc has applied for approval from Japan's health ministry to use COVID-19 vaccines on children aged 5 to 11, it said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine, developed in partnership with BioNTech, was the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for Japan's general public in February. COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna and AstraZeneca have since been approved.
Pfizer's vaccine is currently being offered to those aged 12 and above. If approved by the health ministry, it will be the first to be administered to children under 11 in Japan.
About 74 per cent of the population is now fully vaccinated, according to broadcaster NHK, and the government is widely expected to start administering booster shots by year-end.
Omani navy rescues cargo ship crew after missile strike
UN 'deeply disturbed' by strike on Iran school that killed 160 children
Saudi confirms attempted attack on oil refinery, no damage
At least four killed in Israeli strike on building in Lebanon's Baalbek
Kuwait announces death of child from shrapnel wound
