ワクチン定期接種開始　高齢者対象、一部自己負担に―新型コロナ

　主に６５歳以上が対象の新型コロナウイルスワクチンの定期接種が１日、始まった。費用は原則として一部自己負担となり、期間は来年３月３１日まで。
　接種にはオミクロン株の一系統「ＪＮ．１」に対応した５種類のワクチンが使われ、「レプリコン」と呼ばれる新しいタイプも含まれる。６５歳以上の高齢者と、重い基礎疾患を持つ６０～６４歳の人が対象で、自己負担額は最大７０００円。６５歳未満は希望者のみの任意接種で、原則として全額自己負担となる。（2024/10/01-10:54）

COVID-19 routine vaccinations, mainly for people aged 65 or older, began in Japan on Tuesday in a program running until March 31 next year.
   Available in the program are five vaccines that can combat the JN.1 omicron variant, including a new type called a replicon vaccine using self-amplifying messenger RNA that creates proteins evoking immune responses against the novel coronavirus.
   Eligible recipients are individuals aged 65 or older and those aged 60 to 64 with severe underlying conditions. Their out-of-pocket expenses are capped at 7,000 yen.
   People under 65 can also receive the vaccinations, but there is no such expense cap for them.
   Until fiscal 2023, COVID-19 vaccinations were classified as temporary inoculation under the immunization law. They were provided free of charge thanks to full public funding.