Japan's cabinet approved a plan on Tuesday to use public funds to provide novel coronavirus vaccines to the public for free.
The plan also calls for the government to bear the cost of any health damage caused by a vaccine, according to a document posted on the health ministry's website.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged to provide enough vaccines for the coronavirus for the public by mid-2021.
Japan has struck deals for hundreds of millions of doses from companies including AstraZeneca Plc and Pfizer Inc.


Jordanian airspace reopens after 'comprehensive review'
Iran vows to attack any ship trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Drones target fuel tanks at Oman’s Duqm Port
At least 42 civilians killed in Afghanistan in conflict with Pakistan, UN agency says
