How Japan's PM bypassed health ministry to secure Pfizer vaccine

After direct talks with drugmaker, Suga says first doses will come in February

20210104N vaccine vial

A medical worker holds a vial of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine: Inoculations have begun in several countries, including the U.S. and U.K. © Reuters

SHUNSUKE SHIGETA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- In mid-December, the Japanese Embassy in Washington received a phone call from the prime minister's office in Tokyo.

Start negotiating as soon as possible with Pfizer's U.S. headquarters, was the conveyed message.

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